Ron Artest changing name to ... "Metta World Peace"?

[Murat]

Still saying WTF

[rise]

I feel like that's the only thought that has ever popped into my mind when finding something out about Ron Artest.

[Mavs4Life]

i admit I sorta wanna hear that starting lineup. "World Peace, with no regard for human life!"

[Andrew]

But like, in the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what the guys name is, does it?

Still, its fun as hell.

Not really, but it's still an odd thing to do.

[thewhitemamba]

phpBB [video]

Would you still remember this if he has the word 'Peace' at the back of his jersey?

[Alpha_]

Metta World "War"

[MadLaker]

I think he just wanted to be the "MWP"

[Mandich]

Ron Artest never stopos to amaze me.

[jettdaking!]

any updates on this? has his name changed?

[Andrew]

An Aug. 26 court date was set to consider the petition.

[Andrew]

No name change for Artest just yet

Artest was not able to officially change his name to Metta World Peace on Friday as planned because he first has to clear outstanding traffic warrants, a court official told reporters in L.A. Artest’s next court date is set for Sept. 16.

He's also looking to change his jersey number:

Along with his name change, Artest also said he hopes to switch his jersey number to 70 next season. He currently wears No. 15 for the Lakers, and this won’t be his first number change. During his time with the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets and Lakers, he has also worn No. 23 to honor Michael Jordan, No. 91 to honor Dennis Rodman, Nos. 93 and 96 to honor his hometown of Queens, N.Y., and No. 37 to honor Michael Jackson. Artest’s goal is to wear 10 numbers before the end of his career.

A noble goal.

“I’m changing it to 70 because it’s like something to do with the universe,” Artest said. “Everything kind of repeats itself. The universe is one. It’s the same thing. Healthy minds, just keeping the kids positive.”

Glad he cleared that up.

[rise]

Damn. i was hoping to see 69 on his jersey at some point. He was only one number off!

What the fuck does 70 have to do with the universe?

[Andrew]

42 would seem more appropriate, though the Lakers have retired it in honour of James Worthy.

[rise]

I feel like the Lakers are going to trade him before he gets a chance to do that.

[[Q]]

Damn. i was hoping to see 69 on his jersey at some point.

pretty sure rodman tried that when he went to the lakers (and i think i read somewhere he did get his own jersey with 69 on it) but they didn't let him wear it so he took 73. i think he wore 70 for the Mavs.

[benji]

The league won't allow 69. I'm pretty sure.

There's some other obscure number (not something common in awareness like 69) they will not allow either, but I forget what it is.

[jettdaking!]

i would pay to see Rudy Gay change his jersey number to 69

[Santiago3]

It officially change it undoubtedly is more than crazy

[Andrew]

And it's finally official.

[Mavs4Life]

And starting at the SF, please welcome to Staples, the new & improved METTA WORLD PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to hear his name said throughout the season (whenever it happens)

[NovU]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FSLqL786Tk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhc-IzjLzbo
Crazy guy.

[Dougie]

What's next shitting his number up?

[puddnheadwilson]

He should wear the number 66.

[Andrew]

What's next shitting his number up?

He'll be wearing #70 if the league allows it.

[Lean]

I don't know if he's trying to be as ridiculous as an attention whore. As Andrew said, he could have done something more... practical:

...support charities, promote awareness...

Should Artest have his name changed during his time with the Pacers:

...set a positive example...

"World Peace involved in a brawl against the Pistons!"