Ron Artest Changes Name to Metta World Peace

[Robby]

NBA star Ron Artest, forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, has changed his name today to Metta World Peace.

His publicist explains...

Metta is his official first name; which in the Buddhist tradition means loving-kindness and friendliness toward others and his last name is World Peace

Public reaction to the name change, first announced earlier this summer, was a bit surprising considering that Artest had been known for his 2004 fight with fans... in the bleachers... in the middle of game. He was suspended for a record-setting 86 games.

Artest has more recently been trying to convert his images to reflect his new name. In 2010 he raffled off his 2010 NBC Championship ring to help raise funds for kids with mental illnesses. He is now known for his random acts of kindess as much as he is for his basketball skills which has led him to being awarded with the NBA's Citizenship Award for his philanthropy.

 

[Kevin]

NBA star Ron Artest, forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, has changed his name today to Metta World Peace.

I wonder if he'll be liking that name still 10 years from now or so.