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BY: NICK GERHARDT
ANCHOR: AUSTIN KIM
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Historically known as one of the NBA’s bad boys, now Ron Artest wants to be known for world peace -- as in Metta World Peace, his new name.
This from the same guy who was the focal point of the infamous 2004 Malice at the Palace brawl at Auburn Hills. Lakers’ GM Mitch Kupchak shares his thoughts with the Los Angeles Times.
“Well, as you can see, it brought a smile to my face. And it’s been done before. So, other than that, I don’t really have a comment.”
The Business Insiders' Tony Manfred says Artest has apparently changed -- with one major caveat.
“Ron-Ron won the NBA Good Citizenship Award this year. But like Dr. Drew says, relapse is a part of the rehabilitation process for most addicts. And Artest is addicted to crazy.”
The name-change has inspired comparisons to former NBA guard World B. Free, who changed his name early-on in his own career. For Artest, it’s a change made in the twilight of his career, which ESPN’s Skip Bayless says can only mean one thing: Artest has gone soft.
“So now his new name says it all about what happened to him after he won his ring. He went all peace and love. he doesn’t care about playing basketball anymore. as a defender he is now a conscientious objector. That’s what that name says to me.”
The Huffington Post notes, the term "Metta" is Buddhist for "loving kindness." So is this a selfless move for a good cause? Len Berman found a sarcastic silver lining...
“This could start a trend. Maybe Kobe Bryant will change his name to End World Hunger?”
When the LA Times asked if the Lakers would put “World Peace” or just “Peace” on the back of Artest’s next jersey, Kupchak said with a smile, “I’m an advocate of world eace.” Artest’s petition will be considered in court on Aug. 26, according to the LA Times.
Transcript by Newsy.
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