In his own words, Ron explains this thought process behind his decision to change his name. Highlights include him hoping for the name on the back of his jersey to be “World Peace” and that he’s already had people approaching him calling him by his soon to be legal name.
For what it’s worth, I can’t wait until next season when I get to write game previews and recaps with lines about “World Peace knocking a player to the floor while chasing a rebound” or that the Lakers should “look to take advantage of World Peace’s advantage in the low post against a smaller defender” or post a picture with the subtitle “Metta Bicep Kiss”.
Jim C. says
This is assuming there IS a next season of course.
Darius Soriano says
#1. Way to bring me down there, Jim. 😉
Rusty Shackleford says
Can anyone recall any professional athlete being this proactive to change their image? While his methods often do not make sense to the general public they are all of kind heart.
Usually we see a press conference with the athlete saying they’re sorry and that they’ve now found God. Then the rest is left in the hands of the sports writers.
Jim C. says
Sorry Darius! Didn’t mean to kill your buzz there. 🙁
Chris J says
The Artist Formerly Known as Artest will forever hold a place in my heart for making what was arguably the biggest shot in the biggest series the Lakers franchise has played over the past two decades.
I would like to see more productivity on the court from him, for sure, but he’ll always get a pass in my book for being an entertaining guy who played a huge role in one of the greatest moments in Lakers’ history.
Regardless of what he calls himself going forward, we’ll always have memories of No. 37 blowing a kiss into the air after killing Boston — as well as his classic post-game jubilation. God bless.
Darius Soriano says
Your official lockout thread is up:
http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2011/06/30/its-official-the-lockout-is-here/