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Metta Sandiford-Artest[1] (born Ronald William Artest Jr., November 13, 1979), previously legally named Metta World Peace, is an American former professional basketball player who played 17 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Under the name Ron Artest, he played college basketball for the St. John's Red Storm. He was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 1999 NBA draft.

Key Information

In 2001, he signed with the Indiana Pacers, where he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and was also named an NBA All-Star in 2004. Later that year, he was involved in a fight between the Pacers and the Detroit Pistons, and was suspended for the remainder of the 2004–05 season, the longest suspension for on-court misconduct in NBA history. Weeks after the start of the 2005–06 season, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings, and spent the 2008–09 season with the Houston Rockets. In 2009, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, and helped the team win the NBA championship in 2010.

In 2011, Artest legally changed his name to Metta World Peace, and continued to play with the Lakers until 2013, when he signed with the New York Knicks. After a year of hiatus from the NBA, he returned to the Lakers for his final seasons in 2015 before retiring in 2017. In 2020, he changed his name to Metta Sandiford-Artest.

Early life

[edit]

Metta Sandiford-Artest was born Ronald William Artest Jr. on November 13, 1979, and raised in Queensbridge in Long Island City, Queens, New York. He has two younger brothers, Isaiah and Daniel.[2] He played high school basketball at La Salle Academy. He also teamed with future NBA players Elton Brand and Lamar Odom on the same Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team.[3]

Growing up, Artest witnessed the killing of a fellow player, 19-year-old Lloyd Newton, on a basketball court in Niagara Falls, New York, during an altercation at a 1991 YMCA-sanctioned basketball tournament.[4] Artest recalled the incident during an interview in 2009: "I remember one time, one of my friends, he was playing basketball and they were winning the game. It was so competitive, they broke a leg from a table and they threw it and it went right through his heart and he died right on the court. So I'm accustomed playing basketball really rough."[5]

College career

[edit]

Artest played college basketball at St. John's University from 1997 to 1999. At St. John's, he majored in mathematics.[6][3] In 1999, he led the Red Storm to a 14–4 record in the Big East Conference and 28–9 overall and the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division I Tournament, losing to Ohio State.

Professional career

[edit]

Chicago Bulls (1999–2002)

[edit]

Artest was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 16th pick of the 1999 NBA draft.[7][8]

Artest played a total of 175 games for the Bulls over 2+1⁄2 years, the bulk as a starter, during which time he averaged about 12.5 points and just over four rebounds per game. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in the 1999–2000 season.[9]

Indiana Pacers (2002–2006)

[edit]

Midway through the 2001–02 season, Artest was traded by Chicago to the Indiana Pacers along with Ron Mercer, Brad Miller, and Kevin Ollie, for Jalen Rose, Travis Best, Norman Richardson, and a second-round draft pick.[10] On January 27, 2003, Artest got into a verbal altercation with Miami Heat head coach Pat Riley and flashed an obscene gesture into the crowd and was suspended for four games.[11] During the 2003–04 season with the Pacers, he averaged 18.3 points per game, 5.7 rebounds per game, and 3.7 assists per game. Artest made the 2004 NBA All-Star Game as a reserve and was named the Defensive Player of the Year. He wore three jersey numbers for the Pacers: 15, 23, and 91.

The Malice at the Palace

[edit]
Main article: Malice at the Palace

On November 19, 2004, Artest was at the center of an altercation among players and fans during a game in Auburn Hills, Michigan, between Artest's Pacers and the home team Detroit Pistons. The brawl involved Artest, Pistons center Ben Wallace, Artest's teammates Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson, several other players, and spectators including Pistons fans John Green[12] and A. J. Shackleford.[13]

The fight resulted in the game being stopped with less than a minute remaining. O'Neal, Jackson, and Wallace were suspended indefinitely the day after the game. A day later, the NBA suspended Artest for the rest of the regular season, plus any playoff games. Artest missed 86 games, the longest suspension for an on-court incident in NBA history.[14]

Aftermath and trade

[edit]

After playing 16 games early in the 2005–06 season, Artest demanded a trade from the Indiana Pacers, and he was placed on the team's inactive roster. Artest's call for a trade created a rift between him and his teammates. "We felt betrayed, a little disrespected," teammate Jermaine O'Neal said. As for their basketball relationship, O'Neal added: "The business relationship is over. That's fact." Pacers president Larry Bird said he also felt "betrayed" and "disappointed."[15]

On January 24, 2006, reports from NBA sources confirmed that the Sacramento Kings had agreed to trade Peja Stojaković to the Pacers for Artest. However, before the trade could be completed, many press outlets reported that Artest had informed team management that he did not want to go to the Kings. According to Artest's agent, his original trade request was only made because he was upset when he heard rumors that the Pacers were going to trade him to the Kings for Stojaković early in the season. While not denying his agent's story, Artest did deny that he had rejected the trade to Sacramento, saying that he would play anywhere, contradicting earlier press accounts stating Artest was holding up the trade. Given conflicting accounts, it is unclear why the trade was delayed, but it was nonetheless completed on January 25 and Artest was officially sent to the Kings for Stojaković.[16]

Sacramento Kings (2006–2008)

[edit]
Artest during his tenure with the Sacramento Kings

Though traded midseason to the Kings franchise, Artest quickly found his place on the team by providing some much-needed defense.[17] Though many[who?] feared his abrasive personality would be a problem, he worked well with his teammates and then-coach Rick Adelman. Artest wore #93 for his jersey number with the Kings. After acquiring Artest in late January 2006, the team immediately went on a 14–5 run, the team's best run of the season. The Kings broke .500 and landed the eighth spot in the Western Conference. This prompted ESPN to declare that "Ron Artest has breathed new life in the Sacramento Kings and enhanced their chances of reaching the playoffs for the ninth straight year."[18] Fox Sports proclaimed, "Artest has Kings back in playoff hunt."[17]

He was suspended for Game 2 of the team's first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs following a flagrant foul (elbow to the head) on Manu Ginóbili. The Kings eventually were eliminated from the playoffs in six games.

After the playoffs, Artest offered to donate his entire salary to keep teammate Bonzi Wells, who became a free agent after the 2005–06 NBA season, with the team. He even jokingly threatened to kill Wells if he did not re-sign with the Kings.[19] Wells was later picked up by the Houston Rockets and then traded to the New Orleans Hornets for former Sacramento Kings player Bobby Jackson. Artest also offered to donate his salary to retain the services of head coach Rick Adelman, whose contract expired after the same season. Adelman and the Kings did not agree on a contract extension so the two parted ways.

Houston Rockets (2008–2009)

[edit]
Artest playing for the Houston Rockets in the 2008–09 NBA season

On July 29, 2008, it was reported that Artest was to be traded to the Houston Rockets along with Patrick Ewing Jr. and Sean Singletary for Bobby Jackson, recently drafted forward Donté Greene, a 2009 first-round draft pick, and cash considerations.[20] The deal was made official on August 14, due to Greene's rookie contract signing on July 14.[21] In response to the trade, Yao Ming was generally positive, but jokingly expressed hope that Artest is "not fighting anymore and going after a guy in the stands." In response, Artest said, "This is Tracy (McGrady) and Yao's team, you know. I'm not going to take it personal. I understand what Yao said, but I'm still ghetto. That's not going to change. I'm never going to change my culture. Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don't think he's ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture."[22]

Artest and Yao later exchanged extensive phone calls. Artest also said, "Whatever Adelman needs me to do, whether that's come off the bench, sixth, seventh man, start, I don't even care. Whatever he needs me to do, I'm 100 percent sure it's going to work out."[23]

On October 30, 2008, Artest received his first technical as a Houston Rocket, as he raced towards a group of Dallas Mavericks players and then quickly went to Yao Ming who bumped Josh Howard after play stopped. Artest was trying to pull Yao away from the play and to the foul line, but contact was made with Maverick players. The TNT broadcast crew felt that this technical was unwarranted and reckoned it was based upon Artest's prior reputation as a feisty player in the league. In the playoffs, Artest helped the Rockets advance past the first round for the first time in 12 seasons.[24] In Game 2 of the second round against the Los Angeles Lakers, Artest, who was battling for rebounding position with Kobe Bryant, was elbowed in the neck by Bryant, which was later ruled to be a Type 1 flagrant foul. After being called for an offensive foul, Artest was indignant and proceeded to antagonize Bryant after the play, which eventually led to an ejection by Joe Crawford.[25] In Game 3, Artest was again ejected in the fourth quarter after a hard foul on Pau Gasol, who was attempting to dunk on a fast-break. It was determined the next day that the foul was not serious enough to warrant an ejection, and the flagrant foul was downgraded.[26]

Los Angeles Lakers (2009–2013)

[edit]
Artest guarding Corey Maggette of Golden State in 2009

2009–11: Championship season

[edit]

In July 2009, the Los Angeles Lakers signed Artest to a five-year deal worth about $33 million.[27][28][29] Artest chose the number 37 jersey, which he said was in honor of Michael Jackson. Jackson's Thriller album was at No. 1 on the charts for 37 straight weeks.[30]

In Game 5 of the 2010 Western Conference Finals, Artest hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer after grabbing a last second offensive rebound. He scored 25 points against the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 and went to the NBA Finals for the first time in his career. In the finals, the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics, four games to three. Artest scored 20 points in the clincher and sank the team's last field goal – a three-pointer late in the fourth quarter – to virtually seal the victory.[31] Afterwards, Lakers head coach Phil Jackson called Artest the most valuable player of Game 7 against the Celtics.[32][33] He won his first championship ring with the Lakers.

For the 2010–11 season, Artest switched back to number 15, his college number at St. John's and the first number he wore in his NBA career.[34]

On April 26, 2011, Artest won the NBA's J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.[35]

2011–13: Controversy and injury-riddled season

[edit]

Artest changed his name to Metta World Peace during the offseason. He came into training camp for the 2011–12 season out of shape. Consequently, new Lakers coach Mike Brown moved him to a reserve role with reduced playing time.[36] World Peace lamented that Brown's coaching style placed too much emphasis on statistics.[37]

World Peace and Laker Pau Gasol against Washington's JaVale McGee in 2012

On April 22, 2012, in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, World Peace elbowed James Harden in the head as he was celebrating a dunk. He received a flagrant foul 2 and was immediately ejected.[38] Harden was later found to have suffered a concussion.[39] After the game, World Peace apologized and stated that the elbow was "unintentional."[40] On April 24, 2012, World Peace was suspended for seven games, meaning he would miss the Lakers' season finale game against the Sacramento Kings as well as the first few games of the playoffs.[41]

After a 1–4 start to the 2012–13 season, the Lakers fired Brown as head coach and hired Mike D'Antoni. On December 18, 2012, in a win against the Philadelphia 76ers, he grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds to add to his 19 points. On January 11, 2013, he suffered a right leg injury against the Thunder that would hamper him for two months.[42] Around the same time, he also had an injury to his right arm that made it difficult to bend. His health worsened to the point where D'Antoni moved him off the perimeter on defense and had him guard power forwards instead. By mid-March, he was able to guard the perimeter again.[42] On March 25, against the Golden State Warriors, World Peace tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee.[43] He underwent surgery that was originally estimated to sideline him for six weeks.[44] Despite the estimates, he returned 12 days after his surgery. In his absence, D'Antoni was using a reduced seven-man rotation with Kobe Bryant playing close to all 48 minutes each game. World Peace wanted to reduce his teammates' workload, if even for a few minutes, as the Lakers fought to qualify for the playoffs.[45][46] The Lakers qualified for the playoffs as the seventh seed,[47] but were swept 4–0 by San Antonio in the first round.[48] Due to the Lakers' other injuries, World Peace played in Game 3 in spite of running with discomfort after having fluid drained from a cyst behind his surgically repaired left knee.[49] He missed the final game of the series,[50] and later admitted he came back too soon.[51] For the season, he averaged his most points (12.4) since 2008–09, and shot his highest percentage (.404) since 2009–10. Still, ESPN wrote those numbers indicated that "the 33-year-old is clearly on the decline."[51]

On July 11, 2013, after four seasons with the Lakers, the team waived World Peace via the amnesty clause to gain relief from the salary cap.[52][53]

New York Knicks (2013–2014)

[edit]

On July 16, 2013, World Peace signed a two-year deal with his hometown team the New York Knicks.[54] On February 24, 2014, he was waived by the Knicks after they bought out his contract.[55][56][57]

Sichuan Blue Whales (2014)

[edit]

On August 4, 2014, World Peace signed with the Sichuan Blue Whales of the Chinese Basketball Association.[58] Due to a recurrent knee injury, he was replaced on the roster in December 2014 with Daniel Orton. In 15 games, World Peace averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game.

Pallacanestro Cantù (2015)

[edit]

On March 24, 2015, World Peace signed with Pallacanestro Cantù of Italy for the rest of the 2014–15 Lega Basket Serie A season.[59] On May 27, 2015, in Cantù's Game 5 quarter-final loss to Reyer Venezia Mestre which ended their season, World Peace was ejected from the game and charged with five fouls after getting involved in a skirmish during the fourth quarter.[60] In July 2015, he parted ways with the club after the two parties could not come to a new contract agreement.[61]

Return to the Lakers (2015–2017)

[edit]

On September 24, 2015, World Peace signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, returning to the franchise for a second stint.[62] On November 6, 2015, he made his season debut in a 104–98 win over the Brooklyn Nets,[63] playing 17 minutes with a plus-minus of 12.[64] Teammate Kobe Bryant praised him for his impact on "everybody on the floor defensively."[64]

On September 21, 2016, World Peace re-signed with the Lakers.[65] On April 11, 2017, World Peace scored a team-leading 18 points in the second half to help the Lakers extend its longest winning streak in four years to five games with a 108–96 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. He had the ball in his hands with the crowd on its feet for the Lakers' final possession in what was potentially his final game at Staples Center. During the game, he got his 1,716th and 1,717th career steals to move past Ron Harper for 22nd place in NBA history.[66]

New Orleans Gators (2017)

[edit]

During the offseason, World Peace played with the New Orleans Gators of the Global Mixed Gender Basketball (GMGB) League.[67]

San Diego Kings (2019)

[edit]

In 2019, World Peace signed a one-day contract with the San Diego Kings of the American Basketball Association to bolster their squad against the four-time defending league champion Jacksonville Giants.[68]

Coaching career

[edit]

World Peace was a player development coach in 2017–18 for the South Bay Lakers, the Los Angeles Lakers' development-league team in the G League.[69][70] During the offseason in 2018, he played 3x3 basketball with the BIG3. He played under the name Ron Artest at the request of league co-founder Ice Cube, who wanted to "turn back the clock a little bit."[71]

NBA career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship  *  Led the league

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1999–00 Chicago 72 63 31.1 .407 .314 .674 4.3 2.8 1.7 .5 12.0
2000–01 Chicago 76 74 31.1 .401 .291 .750 3.9 3.0 2.0 .6 11.9
2001–02 Chicago 27 26 30.5 .433 .396 .628 4.9 2.9 2.8 .9 15.6
2001–02 Indiana 28 24 29.3 .411 .215 .733 5.0 1.8 2.4 .6 10.9
2002–03 Indiana 69 67 33.6 .428 .336 .736 5.2 2.9 2.3 .7 15.5
2003–04 Indiana 73 71 37.2 .421 .310 .733 5.3 3.7 2.1 .7 18.3
2004–05 Indiana 7 7 41.6 .496 .412 .922 6.4 3.1 1.7 .9 24.6
2005–06 Indiana 16 16 37.7 .460 .333 .612 4.9 2.2 2.6 .7 19.4
2005–06 Sacramento 40 40 40.1 .383 .302 .717 5.2 4.2 2.0 .8 16.9
2006–07 Sacramento 70 65 37.7 .440 .358 .740 6.5 3.4 2.1 .6 18.8
2007–08 Sacramento 57 54 38.1 .453 .380 .719 5.8 3.5 2.3 .7 20.5
2008–09 Houston 69 55 35.5 .401 .399 .748 5.2 3.3 1.5 .3 17.1
2009–10† L.A. Lakers 77 77 33.8 .414 .355 .688 4.3 3.0 1.4 .3 11.0
2010–11 L.A. Lakers 82 82* 29.4 .397 .356 .676 3.3 2.1 1.5 .4 8.5
2011–12 L.A. Lakers 64 45 26.9 .394 .296 .617 3.4 2.2 1.1 .4 7.7
2012–13 L.A. Lakers 75 66 33.7 .403 .342 .734 5.0 1.5 1.6 .6 12.4
2013–14 New York 29 1 13.4 .397 .315 .625 2.0 .6 .8 .3 4.8
2015–16 L.A. Lakers 35 5 16.9 .311 .310 .702 2.5 .8 .6 .3 5.0
2016–17 L.A. Lakers 25 2 6.4 .279 .237 .625 .8 .4 .4 .1 2.3
Career 991 840 31.7 .414 .339 .715 4.5 2.7 1.7 .5 13.2
All-Star 1 0 17.0 .600 .000 .500 3.0 3.0 1.0 .0 7.0

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2002 Indiana 5 5 33.4 .407 .462 .692 6.0 3.2 2.6 .6 11.8
2003 Indiana 6 6 42.0 .389 .387 .800 5.8 2.2 2.5 1.0 19.0
2004 Indiana 15 15 38.9 .378 .288 .718 6.5 3.2 1.4 1.1 18.4
2006 Sacramento 5 5 39.6 .383 .333 .696 5.0 3.0 1.6 .8 17.4
2009 Houston 13 13 37.5 .394 .277 .714 4.3 4.2 1.1 .2 15.6
2010† L.A. Lakers 23 23 36.5 .398 .291 .579 4.0 2.1 1.5 .5 11.2
2011 L.A. Lakers 9 9 31.9 .443 .321 .762 4.6 2.2 1.1 .8 10.6
2012 L.A. Lakers 6 6 39.3 .367 .389 .750 3.5 2.3 2.2 .7 11.7
2013 L.A. Lakers 3 3 28.0 .250 .143 1.000 3.7 1.7 .7 .3 6.0
Career 85 85 36.9 .389 .308 .714 4.8 2.8 1.5 .7 13.9

Media presence

[edit]
Artest celebrates at the 2010 Lakers Championship parade

Television

[edit]

In April 2010, it was announced that Artest would help develop and produce his own reality show, They Call Me Crazy, in conjunction with E1 Entertainment and Tijuana Entertainment.[72]

On December 18, 2010, an art show honoring Artest was held in Toronto, Canada. Entitled Lovable Badass,[73] the show featured work by 30 Canadian and American artists, illustrators, painters and sculptors inspired by the athlete. Artest made a surprise appearance at the exhibition's opening night, commenting that "(the show) was definitely special. It was unexpected. Overwhelming."[74]

Artest was part of the line-up for the thirteenth season of the reality show Dancing with the Stars, though he finished in last place, being eliminated in the show's first week.[75]

In October 2012, he appeared as a panelist on Nickelodeon's game show Figure It Out.

In September 2013, he made the first in a recurring series of skits on the Comedy Central sketch show Key and Peele called "Metta World News," in which he plays a newscaster.[76]

Peace competed against actor Skylar Astin in an episode of Spike's Lip Sync Battle that aired June 21, 2017. He performed Cypress Hill's "Insane in the Brain" and Katy Perry's "Roar" but did not win.[77]

In January 2018, it was announced that World Peace was a contestant in the first American edition of Celebrity Big Brother.[78] Metta became the fourth celebrity to be evicted from the house on Day 20. He also appeared in the second season as part of a Head of Household competition.

In 2023, Metta World Peace competed in season ten of The Masked Singer as the wild card contestant "Cuddle Monster" who Nick Cannon called the largest costume in this series. He was eliminated on "Trolls Night".[79]

Artest Media Group

[edit]

World Peace is the founder of the Artest Media Group. Established in 2010, the brand management company's clients include himself and music artists Vinita, Deacon, Sade Artest, Rugby, and Emmaline Cleary. Music producers Wip, Q, and Lucky are also associated with the group. On February 19, 2013, World Peace was awoken by a squad of police who received a tip there had been gun play within his property. Authorities were quick to recognize their mistake after World Peace explained that the armed individuals were actors shooting a "life on the streets"-styled movie for his group.[80]

Discography

[edit]

On October 31, 2006, Artest released a rap album entitled My World.[81] He published the album on the Lightyear Records label under his own imprint, Tru Warier Records. The album features guest artists P. Diddy, Juvenile, Mike Jones, Big Kap, Nature and Capone.

Advocacy

[edit]

He has become involved in advocacy relating to mental health issues.[82] In December 2010, he announced that he would donate some or all of his salary for the 2011–12 NBA season toward mental health awareness charities. Artest also auctioned off his 2009–10 championship ring and donated the proceeds to various mental health charities nationwide.[83] In 2016, he told Sports Illustrated, "Some people don't understand mental health is broad. You have to ask questions. Are you depressed? Are you schizophrenic? Do you have anxiety? Are you bipolar? Those are the different things that come under the banner of mental health."[84]

He has posed for PETA ad campaigns encouraging people to report animal abuse and to have their pets neutered.[85]

On March 26, 2024, Artest endorsed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy for the 2024 United States presidential election at a campaign event.[86]

[edit]

Early career incidents

[edit]

In a December 2009 Sporting News interview, Artest admitted he led a "wild" lifestyle as a young player, and drank Hennessy cognac in the locker room at halftime while with the Bulls.[87] In February 2004, he wore a bathrobe over his practice uniform to a Pacers practice as "a symbolic reminder to take it easy."[88]

Artest was suspended for three games in 2003 for destroying a TV camera at Madison Square Garden, and for four games the same year for a confrontation with Miami Heat coach Pat Riley.[89] He was also suspended for two games early in the 2004–05 season by Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle after he allegedly asked for a month off because he was tired from promoting an R&B album for the group Allure on his Tru Warier production label, on which he released his own album, a rap recording titled My World, in October 2006.[89][90]

The Malice at the Palace

[edit]
Main article: Malice at the Palace

On November 19, 2004, Artest was at the center of an altercation among players and fans during a game in Auburn Hills, Michigan, between Artest's Pacers and the home team Detroit Pistons.

The brawl began when Artest fouled Pistons center Ben Wallace as Wallace was putting up a shot. Wallace, upset at being fouled hard when the game was effectively over (the Pacers led 97–82 with less than 50 seconds to go), responded by shoving Artest in the face, leading to an altercation near the scorer's table. Artest walked to the sideline and laid down on the scorer's table. Reacting to Wallace throwing something at Artest, Pistons fan John Green threw a cup of Diet Coke[91] at Artest, hitting him. Artest jumped into the front-row seats and confronted a man he incorrectly believed to be responsible, which in turn erupted into a brawl between Pistons fans and several of the Pacers. Artest returned to the basketball court, and punched Pistons fan A.J. Shackleford, who was apparently taunting Artest verbally.[13] This fight resulted in the game being stopped with less than a minute remaining. Artest's teammates Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson were suspended indefinitely the day after the game, along with Wallace.

On November 21, the NBA suspended Artest for the rest of the regular season, plus any playoff games. All told, Artest missed 86 games (73 regular season games plus 13 playoff games), the longest suspension for an on-court incident in NBA history. Eight other players (four Pacers and four Pistons) received suspensions, without pay, which ranged from one to thirty games in length. Each of the players involved were levied fines and ordered to do community service. Several fans were also charged and were banned from attending Pistons games for life. Artest lost approximately $5 million in salary due to the suspension.[92]

[edit]

On March 5, 2007, Artest was arrested for domestic violence, and excused from the Sacramento Kings indefinitely by GM Geoff Petrie.[93] On March 10, Kings announced that Artest would return to the team, while his case was being reviewed by the Placer County District Attorney.[94] On May 3, he was sentenced to 20 days in jail and community service. Artest spent only 10 days in the jail, as the judge stayed 10 days of the sentence, and served the remainder in a work release program.[95] On July 14, 2007, the NBA suspended Artest for seven games at the beginning of the 2007–08 NBA season for his legal problems.[96]

In 2007, Artest was forced to relinquish ownership of his dog, a Great Dane, for malnutrition and neglect.[97]

Personal life

[edit]

Name change

[edit]

On September 16, 2011, Artest officially changed his name to Metta World Peace.[98][99] "Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world," World Peace said in a statement released after the name change court hearing.[75] World Peace chose the first name Metta, a traditional Buddhist word that means loving kindness and friendliness towards all.[98]

Family

[edit]

World Peace and Kimsha Hatfield started an on-and-off relationship when they were 15 and 14.[100] Their first child Sadie was born in 1997.[101] They went on to have two more children together, Ron III and Diamond, and were married from June 2003 until their divorce in 2009.[102][103] Kimsha was a cast member on VH1's reality TV show Basketball Wives: LA. Ron III also became a professional basketball player.[104] World Peace has another son, Jeron, with his former high school girlfriend Jennifer Palma.[105][106] He paid for his brother to attend law school,[107] and became a grandfather with the birth of his eldest daughter Sadie's first child.

On May 4, 2020, World Peace announced that he had changed his name once again to Metta Sandiford-Artest, combining his last name with that of his second wife, Maya Sandiford.[1]

Sandiford-Artest has a company, The Artest Management Group, which includes a film division and a Certified Public Accountant division to assist athletes with tax preparation. He became interested in mathematics in high school and in the late 2010s he began taking analytics classes at UCLA and developing a sports app. "I’ve turned it on mentally," he said, and compared his new pursuits to the teenage years he learned basketball.[108] In March 2023, Sandiford-Artest was announced as a partner in MOORvision Technologies and Ucam, a camera built to capture athlete's point of view during games.[109]

Filmography

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Metta Sandiford-Artest

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Metta Sandiford-Artest (born Ronald William Artest Jr.; November 13, 1979) is an American former professional basketball player who competed in the (NBA) for 17 seasons across six teams, retiring after the 2015–16 season. Drafted 16th overall by the in 1999, he gained prominence with the , where his physical defensive style earned him All-NBA Third Team honors in 2004, but his career was overshadowed by the "" brawl on November 19, 2004, during a Pacers–Pistons game, in which he charged into the stands after a fan threw a drink at him, resulting in a 73-game suspension. Later, Artest signed with the in 2009 and contributed defensively to their 2010 NBA championship victory over the , averaging 10.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in the Finals series. In 2011, he legally changed his name to Metta World Peace to symbolize his commitment to promoting peace and addressing issues, influenced by his interest in ; he reverted to a variation incorporating his wife's surname, Sandiford, in 2020.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Metta Sandiford-Artest, born Ronald William Artest Jr. on November 13, 1979, in , New York, was raised primarily by his mother, Sarah Artest, a , in the complex in [Long Island City](/page/Long Island City). His father, Ron Artest Sr., a former boxer, was largely absent from his daily life following the parents' divorce, which contributed to early family instability. Artest grew up alongside two younger brothers, Daniel and , in an environment marked by single-parent households and limited resources. Queensbridge Houses, the largest development in the United States at the time with over 3,000 apartments housing predominantly low-income African-American and Latino families, exposed Artest to pervasive and socioeconomic hardship during the 1980s crack epidemic. Housing Authority properties like Queensbridge spiked dramatically in that decade, with NYCHA-wide violent incidents rising "ferociously" amid broader and strained police-resident relations. These conditions, including frequent exposure to neighborhood killings and domestic conflicts in his household, instilled a toughness that Artest later described as survival-driven, though it also exacerbated challenges with emotional regulation from a young age. The combination of an absent paternal figure and witnessing familial strife shaped Artest's early resilience, as he navigated a setting where neighborhoods faced elevated risks of incarceration and cycles, with later data showing rates in Queensbridge roughly double the city average. This upbringing in a high-crime fostered but without romanticized narratives of inevitable escape, as empirical patterns in such environments often perpetuated intergenerational disadvantage through concentrated urban .

High school basketball

Sandiford-Artest, then known as Ron Artest, played high school basketball at in , New York, where he developed into one of the nation's elite prospects through his combination of size, athleticism, and intensity. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches as a senior forward, he showcased raw physicality that overwhelmed opponents, pairing aggressive rebounding with early defensive tenacity that hinted at future NBA potential. In his senior season during the 1996–1997 campaign, Artest faced suspensions for behavioral issues but rebounded to lead La Salle to the championship. On March 17, 1997, he scored a game-high 26 points in the title game against St. Francis Prep, powering a 71–54 victory that capped his high school tenure. His performance earned him All-American honors and cemented his status as New York City's top high school player, drawing widespread scout interest despite off-court challenges.

College career at St. John's University

Artest enrolled at St. John's University in 1997, recruited by head coach , and played his freshman season in 1997–98, earning All-Big East Rookie Team honors for his defensive contributions and athleticism. During this period, reports indicated early challenges with personal discipline, including undisclosed use of alcohol and marijuana, which Fraschilla later noted Artest concealed effectively but which may have impacted team dynamics. In his sophomore year of 1998–99 under new coach , Artest started all 31 games, averaging 16.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. His versatile forward play helped lead St. John's to a 14–4 Big East record, a 28–9 overall mark, a Big East Tournament finals appearance, and an run in the NCAA Tournament, where they fell to Ohio State. For these efforts, he received First-Team All-Big East selection and the Haggerty Award as the top player in New York City metropolitan . Artest declared for the on April 12, forgoing his remaining two years of eligibility, citing his professional physical attributes—such as size, strength, and defensive instincts—as outweighing the benefits of further college skill development, despite acknowledged needs for maturity and perimeter shooting refinement. This early departure reflected a calculation that his NBA-ready tools, honed against elite competition, positioned him for immediate professional success over extended collegiate seasoning.

NBA playing career

Chicago Bulls tenure (1999–2002)

Sandiford-Artest was selected by the with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the out of St. John's University. As a in the 1999–2000 season, he quickly earned a starting role, appearing in 72 games while averaging 31.1 minutes, 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, though his shooting efficiency lagged with a 40.7% and 67.4% percentage. His defensive tenacity contributed to earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, signaling early promise for a franchise mired in post-Michael Jordan rebuilding, finishing with a league-worst 17–65 record. In his year of 2000–01, Sandiford-Artest maintained heavy minutes at 31.1 per game across 76 appearances, posting similar scoring output at 11.9 points alongside 3.9 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks, but continued efficiency struggles evident in a 40.1% rate despite an improved 75.0% from the line. He began evolving into a perimeter-oriented defender, with steals per game rising slightly amid the Bulls' ongoing struggles, as the team limped to a 15–67 finish, one of the worst in franchise . This period highlighted his physicality and versatility on a young, talent-laden but uncoordinated roster featuring players like , yet lacking the structure for contention. During the lockout-shortened 2001–02 season, prior to his midseason departure, Sandiford-Artest elevated his production in 27 games with the Bulls, averaging 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 30.5 minutes, showcasing heightened defensive impact with career-high steals and blocks rates for the team. However, persistent free-throw woes persisted at 62.8%, underscoring shooting inconsistencies that tempered his offensive reliability. On February 19, 2002, the Bulls traded him, along with , Brad Miller, and , to the in a seven-player deal acquiring , , Norman Richardson, and a conditional second-round pick, primarily to bolster backcourt scoring and depth amid frontcourt redundancy with emerging rookie . This move marked his exit from a Bulls squad that ended the year at 21–61, reflecting management's pivot away from developing raw forwards in favor of veteran guards during continued rebuild efforts.

Indiana Pacers era (2002–2006)

Ron Artest was acquired by the Indiana Pacers on February 19, 2002, in a seven-player trade with the Chicago Bulls that sent Jalen Rose, Travis Best, Ron Mercer, and Kevin Ollie to Chicago in exchange for Artest, Brad Miller, Ron Mercer (reacquired in the deal), and Ebi Ere. The move paired him with Jermaine O'Neal, forming a formidable frontcourt duo anchored by Artest's perimeter defense and physicality. In the 2002–03 season, Artest's first full year in , he averaged 15.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, contributing to a Pacers team that finished with 48 wins and advanced to the second round of the . His defensive intensity disrupted opponents, as he frequently drew assignments on the league's top scorers, employing aggressive tactics to contest shots and force turnovers. Artest signed a multi-year extension with the Pacers on , 2002, securing his long-term commitment amid rising expectations. His performance elevated in the 2003–04 season, where he averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, earning unanimous praise for his lockdown defense. For these efforts, he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, receiving 476 of 605 possible voting points ahead of Wallace's 325. Artest was also selected to the All-NBA First Team, recognizing his dual-end impact. Under coach , the Pacers achieved a franchise-best 61–21 record in 2003–04, propelled by Artest's role in their defensive scheme that limited opponents' scoring. He provided physical containment against elite wings, including matchups where his relentless pressure altered shooting efficiencies, as seen in regular-season games against stars like . advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, defeating the New Jersey Nets and before falling to the in six games, with Artest logging heavy minutes in pivotal defensive stands. Artest's stardom grew, but the high-stakes environment amplified his on-court temperament, evidenced by accumulating technical fouls and ejections amid intense playoff battles. In the 2004–05 season, he boosted his scoring to 24.6 while maintaining defensive contributions, though team dynamics strained under pressure. By December 2005, amid a middling start to the 2005–06 campaign, Artest publicly requested a , signaling frustrations with the organization's direction and his role.

Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets (2006–2009)

On January 25, 2006, Artest was traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Peja Stojaković, shortly after the Malice at the Palace incident and amid ongoing team tensions in Indiana. In the partial 2005–06 season with Sacramento, he contributed to a late surge, helping the Kings post a 20–9 record after the All-Star break, though the team ultimately finished 44–38 and missed the playoffs. The Kings' roster instability and lack of cohesive play limited broader success, despite Artest's defensive intensity and scoring ability. During the 2006–07 season, Artest established himself as a , averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game over 70 appearances, while shooting 44.7% from the field. His physical style complemented Sacramento's up-tempo offense, but the Kings won just 33 games amid front-office disarray and inconsistent supporting cast, failing to contend in the Western . Artest's versatility shone in transition and isolation plays, yet team dysfunction—exacerbated by injuries and poor chemistry—hindered playoff aspirations. In the 2007–08 season, Artest maintained productivity with averages of 17.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, but Sacramento regressed further to a 38–44 record, underscoring persistent organizational issues. On July 29, 2008, he was traded to the for , , and a future second-round pick, as sought salary relief and youth infusion. With in 2008–09, Artest adapted to a complementary role alongside and , prioritizing perimeter defense and averaging 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game across 62 outings. His length and tenacity bolstered the Rockets' league-leading 53 wins and a first-round playoff upset over the Lakers, though Yao's injury ended their run in the second round. This period highlighted Artest's maturing defensive focus and improved mid-range efficiency, signaling readiness for contending systems despite earlier nomadic fit challenges.

Los Angeles Lakers championship years (2009–2013)

Ron Artest signed a five-year, $33 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on July 3, 2009, joining the defending NBA champions to bolster their perimeter defense and forward depth. During the 2009–10 regular season, Artest averaged 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game while starting 76 contests, providing physicality and switchability in Phil Jackson's defensive schemes that emphasized help rotations and denying penetration. His addition helped the Lakers maintain a league-best +6.2 net rating, contributing to a 57–25 record and the Western Conference's top seed. In the 2010 playoffs, Artest elevated his impact, averaging 11.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals across 23 games, with efficient shooting at 41.6% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range. His defensive versatility was crucial in the against the , where he helped contain and through physical on-ball pressure and team schemes, limiting Boston's wing scoring in key moments. Artest's signature contribution came in Game 7 on June 17, 2010, scoring 20 points including a three-pointer with under a minute remaining that extended the Lakers' lead to 83–79, securing a 4–3 series victory and the franchise's 16th championship. This performance underscored his role as a high-impact role player in a star-driven system, with positive on-court differentials reflecting his net positive effect during high-stakes possessions. The 2010–11 season saw Artest, now legally after a September 2011 name change, struggle amid the Lakers' failed repeat bid, averaging 8.3 points and facing a one-game suspension in the Western Conference Semifinals for striking guard on May 5, 2011. The team exited in four games to the , hampered by internal dynamics and Artest's reduced efficiency. Subsequent years brought further challenges, including a seven-game suspension carrying into 2012–13 for elbowing guard on April 22, 2012, and a torn left meniscus requiring on March 27, 2013, sidelining him for the . These setbacks contributed to diminished production—6.3 in 2012–13—and culminated in the Lakers using the amnesty clause to waive on July 11, 2013.

Final NBA seasons and international play (2013–2019)

Following his waiver by the on February 24, 2014, after appearing in 29 games with averages of 1.2 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in limited 13.4 minutes, Sandiford-Artest pursued opportunities abroad amid declining NBA viability at age 34. He signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the of China's CBA on August 4, 2014, motivated by financial incentives surpassing typical late-career NBA minimums. In 15 games, he averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 steals, demonstrating sustained scoring efficiency despite age-related athletic diminishment evident in slower transition play and reduced vertical leap. In March 2015, Sandiford-Artest joined of Italy's for the season's remainder, a short-term move reflecting adaptability to lower-tier professional for income stability. His stint ended amid playoff ejection for a minor altercation, underscoring persistent intensity but highlighting diminished elite conditioning, as he played in limited regular-season and postseason games without dominant statistical output. Sandiford-Artest returned to the in 2015–16 and 2016–17 as a presence, appearing in 22 games (6.0 points per game) and 25 games (1.0 point per game), respectively, primarily in roles off the bench rather than starter minutes. His role emphasized leadership and perimeter defense for young players, with empirical data showing career-low per-minute production—reflecting irreversible physical decline from peak years, including reduced burst speed and rebounding rates—yet maintaining competitiveness through IQ and physicality. Post-Lakers, Sandiford-Artest transitioned from NBA play by 2017, with no verified professional games through 2019, aligning with from high-level competition amid age-39 physical limitations; sporadic G League or pursuits were unconfirmed, as he shifted toward influences by 2017–18. This phase illustrated pragmatic career extension via international leagues for earnings, contrasting earlier athletic primes, with data confirming adaptability but inevitable efficacy drop-off in professional scoring and defensive metrics.

Coaching pursuits and post-retirement basketball involvement

Player development roles

Following his departure from professional playing after the 2016–17 NBA season with the , Metta World Peace accepted a player development coach position with the , the organization's G League affiliate, on October 23, 2017, for the 2017–18 campaign. In this role, he supported head coach and the staff in fostering the skills of developmental prospects, marking his entry into structured instruction after a 19-year professional career that included a 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and a 2010 NBA championship. World Peace's involvement emphasized transitioning his on-court expertise into teachable fundamentals for G League talent, including defensive positioning and physical conditioning derived from his reputation as a premier perimeter defender who led the league in steals per game in 2002–03. This tenure represented an initial step in his shift from competitor to educator, with the finishing the regular season at 18–32 while providing a platform for him to engage directly with emerging athletes. He departed the position after one season, amid ongoing overseas playing commitments that concluded his athletic career in 2019.

Head coaching ambitions and recent campaigns

In June 2025, following the dismissal of , Sandiford-Artest launched a public campaign on for the head coaching position, emphasizing his Queens origins and desire to deliver a championship to his hometown. He posted statements asserting, "Metta is the perfect choice for head coach of the [Knicks]... Since 1999, this was suppose to happen," highlighting his early NBA entry and self-perceived alignment with the franchise's needs. This effort followed a similar overture for the vacancy earlier that month, where he expressed willingness to lead, underscoring a pattern of proactive self-advocacy amid limited formal coaching credentials. Sandiford-Artest's pitch centered on his NBA championship pedigree from the 2010 Lakers, defensive expertise as a former All-Defensive First Team selection, and personal growth from past volatility, which he claimed would foster and toughness in players. Supporters like endorsed his candidacy, citing relational skills honed through adversity and potential to instill winning habits, while Sandiford-Artest referenced his daily 5 a.m. regimen and Division II women's experience as evidence of readiness. However, skeptics pointed to his absence of assistant-level NBA and historical on-court incidents as barriers, with media outlets framing the bid as unconventional given his non-traditional path. As of October 2025, Sandiford-Artest had not secured an NBA head coaching role, though he continued articulating ambitions in interviews and maintained networking efforts, including youth camps abroad. He reiterated goals of winning titles through innovative player development, drawing from his 19-year playing career's lessons in resilience and strategy, while critiquing conventional hiring biases toward pedigreed assistants. Despite the Knicks ultimately selecting another candidate, his campaign highlighted a broader pursuit of leveraging firsthand elite-level insights over traditional ladders.

Statistical achievements and playing style

Career statistics overview

Metta Sandiford-Artest played 17 NBA seasons from 1999 to 2017, appearing in 991 regular-season games and averaging 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 41.5% from the field. His career defensive box plus-minus (DBPM) stood at +1.4, contributing to 56.7 defensive win shares (DWS), underscoring his perimeter defensive prowess. In 85 playoff games, he averaged 13.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, with improved rebounding efficiency in postseason play.
StatisticRegular Season (Per Game) (Per Game)
(GP)99185
Minutes Per Game (MPG)30.736.7
(PPG)13.113.9
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)4.45.0
Assists Per Game (APG)2.52.8
Steals Per Game (SPG)1.71.6
Blocks Per Game (BPG)0.50.7
Field Goal % (FG%).415.385
3-Point % (3P%).344.308
Free Throw % (FT%).718.718
Internationally, Sandiford-Artest played abbreviated stints, including 15 games in China's CBA with (19.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG) and 13 games in Italy's LBA with (14.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG across regular season and ).

Awards, accolades, and defensive impact

Sandiford-Artest earned several NBA honors during his career, including the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2004, when he led the league with consistent perimeter disruption and finished third in steals per game at 2.1. He was selected to the as an Eastern Conference reserve and earned All-NBA Third Team recognition that season for his two-way contributions. Additional defensive accolades include All-Defensive Second Team in 2003 and All-Defensive First Team in 2004. As a rookie with the in 1999-2000, he made the All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 12.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. His most prominent team achievement came in 2010, when he contributed to the ' NBA championship, providing veteran perimeter defense in the . At 6 feet 7 inches and 260 pounds, Sandiford-Artest's physical build facilitated versatile, switchable defense across positions 1 through 4, allowing him to body up larger forwards while maintaining lateral quickness against guards. This combination of size, strength, and tenacity causally elevated team defenses; during his 2003-04 peak with the , who ranked third in defensive rating (98.2 points allowed per 100 possessions) and third in opponent (85.6), he anchored the perimeter with a personal defensive rating of 96 and routinely held elite scorers below their averages, as evidenced by his league-leading voting for Defensive Player of the Year. In the playoffs, his assignments limited opponents like to inefficient shooting (5-for-15 in Game 7 of the Finals), contributing to the Lakers' title-clinching victory through sustained physical containment. Early in his , Sandiford-Artest's aggressive style led to elevated turnovers—averaging 2.6 per game as a amid high-usage plays—but he evolved into a more disciplined role player, reducing errors while preserving disruptive impact, as seen in defensive rating of 103.4.
SeasonAward/Accolade
1999-2000All-Rookie Second Team
2003-04NBA All-Star
NBA Defensive Player of the Year
All-NBA Third Team
All-Defensive First Team
2009-10NBA Champion

Controversies and on-court incidents

Early disciplinary issues

During his rookie season with the in 1999–2000 and subsequent years through 2002, Ron Artest accumulated a pattern of on-court altercations marked by technical fouls and ejections, reflecting early that scrutiny. On February 20, 2001, against the , Artest received a for physical contact during a scrum, followed by two technical fouls, resulting in his ejection and a subsequent one-game suspension without pay, along with a $7,500 fine. Such incidents contributed to a reputation for volatile temperament, later attributed by Artest himself to habits formed in his Queensbridge, upbringing amid frequent , though this did not mitigate NBA accountability. He later disclosed drinking cognac, such as , at halftimes during games, potentially exacerbating on-court lapses in control. After his January 2002 trade to the , Artest's disciplinary record intensified with repeated fines for provocative behavior and further suspensions for equipment damage and flagrant actions. In December 2002, he was fined $10,000 for shoving guard , which prompted his second and ejection. Early January 2003 saw a three-game suspension and $35,000 fine after he hurled a television monitor and smashed a photographer's camera in frustration following a loss to the Knicks at . Later that month, on March 13, 2003, Artest served a one-game ban triggered by accumulating maximum flagrant foul-penalty points. In April 2003, he incurred another $20,000 fine tied to ongoing conduct issues. By May 2004, the NBA levied a $10,000 penalty for an obscene gesture during a game. These pre-2004 incidents totaled at least nine suspensions from the league or teams, spanning dozens of missed games and significant fines, underscoring a consistent pattern of reacting aggressively to provocations or setbacks—often involving taunts, shoves, or post-game outbursts—despite Artest's defensive prowess. The NBA's responses emphasized enforcement of conduct rules, with later citing Artest's history of failures in justifying escalated penalties, highlighting risks to his professional standing amid a league prioritizing player discipline. While rooted in a challenging youth environment that normalized confrontations, such behaviors were not excused, as evidenced by repeated professional repercussions that tested team tolerance.

The Malice at the Palace: Events, causes, and consequences

On November 19, 2004, during a game between the and at , tensions escalated in the fourth quarter with 45.9 seconds remaining and the Pistons leading 97-82. Pistons center Ben Wallace attempted a layup, drawing a hard foul from Pacers forward Ron Artest; Wallace responded by shoving Artest, prompting Artest to lie on the scorer's table to calm the situation. A fan in the front row then threw a full cup of beer onto Artest, striking him while he lay there; Artest immediately charged into the stands, confronting and punching a fan he believed responsible (later identified as the wrong individual, Michael Ryan). Pacers forward soon joined Artest in the stands, exchanging blows with fans, while other players including entered the fray after additional objects were thrown; O'Neal struck a fan who had approached him. The brawl spread across sections of the arena, involving thrown chairs, drinks, and punches between players and spectators, with some fans spilling onto the court; the game was halted and never resumed, marking the first forfeiture in NBA history due to fan-player violence. Nine players total participated, leading to a chaotic scene witnessed by over 18,000 fans and a national television audience. The incident's causes centered on mutual escalations, with fan taunting and the beer-throwing widely viewed as initial provocation amid a heated rivalry game marked by trash-talking and physical play throughout. Artest and supporters, including teammates, argued that ongoing fan aggression—such as and objects hurled earlier—created an untenable environment, with Artest later claiming he sought only the thrower to de-escalate via security but was overwhelmed. NBA officials and Commissioner , however, emphasized player responsibility to avoid entering spectator areas under any circumstances, citing Artest's charge into the stands as the primary catalyst for the melee's expansion, irrespective of fan instigation; league findings noted players' failure to retreat exacerbated the violence, prioritizing professional restraint over reactive confrontation. Immediate consequences included the NBA suspending Artest for the remainder of the 2004-05 regular season (73 games) plus playoffs (13 games), totaling 86 games—the longest non-drug or betting-related ban in league history—and fining him $1.5 million, effectively ending his Pacers tenure that year. Jackson received 30 games, O'Neal 25, with total player suspensions amounting to 146 games; several fans faced criminal assault charges and lifetime bans from Pistons games. The event prompted NBA-wide security enhancements, including barriers between courts and stands, stricter fan ejections, and dress codes for players. Long-term, Artest endured a reputational stigma that shadowed his career, contributing to his trade to the Sacramento Kings in January 2006 amid perceived volatility; he has reflected with regret, stating he would "never forgive" himself for harming the wrong fan and disrupting the league, while also contending the media amplified the incident as scapegoating and that fan accountability was underemphasized relative to player overpunishment. In March 2007, while playing for the , Artest was arrested at his home in , on suspicion of after his then-wife, Kimberly Artest, reported that he had slapped her and shoved her to the floor during an argument; she called 911, but he allegedly grabbed the phone to prevent her from reporting the incident. Artest was charged with misdemeanor and using force to obstruct a 911 call, leading to a brief jail stint before his release on . In August 2007, he pleaded no contest, receiving a sentence of 20 days in jail (of which he served 10 days through a work-release program), three years of , 52 weeks of classes, and 100 hours of . The NBA imposed a seven-game suspension at the start of the 2007–08 season for the off-court violation, underscoring the league's response to his repeated disciplinary history. Artest faced additional legal entanglements related to driving and traffic infractions. In , his petition to legally change his name to Metta World Peace was delayed by a court due to outstanding warrants for unpaid parking tickets and a citation for driving without a valid . He resolved the issues by paying the fines, allowing the name change to proceed in September . These incidents, while minor compared to prior events, contributed to a documented pattern of off-court volatility, including admissions of excessive alcohol consumption during his early career that exacerbated impulsive behavior. Despite these matters resulting in fines, short-term suspensions, and rather than extended incarceration, they highlighted ongoing challenges with impulse control, for which Artest later advocated therapeutic interventions starting around 2011, though application appeared inconsistent amid persistent minor infractions. No further major arrests occurred after 2007, aligning with a gradual decline in severe legal entanglements.

Personal life and identity

Name changes and philosophical motivations

In September 2011, Ronald William Artest Jr. legally changed his name to Metta World Peace after filing a petition in in June, with approval granted by a court commissioner on September 16. The Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA permitted the update to his jersey and official records, allowing him to play under the new name during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. Artest explained the shift as a deliberate effort to embody self-improvement and promote non-violence, stating it aimed to "inspire and bring youth together all around the world" amid his history of on-court altercations, including the 2004 Malice at the Palace brawl. He cited fatigue with his prior identity, remarking, "I changed my name because I got tired of Ron Artest, he's a [expletive]." The first name "Metta" draws from Buddhist terminology denoting loving-kindness and benevolence toward others, reflecting an interest in Eastern philosophy for personal reset, though Artest maintained he remained Baptist. Public response included skepticism, with NBA Hall of Famer dismissing it as a lacking substantive impact on global efforts. Others critiqued the eccentricity, questioning its alignment with Artest's ongoing behavioral patterns despite the philosophical intent. In May 2020, after marrying Maya Sandiford, Artest updated his name to Metta Sandiford-Artest, appending her surname while preserving "Metta" as a nod to his evolved self-conception. This iteration emphasized relational continuity over the broader ideological symbolism of the change, occurring after his NBA retirement in 2016.

Family dynamics and relationships

Sandiford-Artest married Kimsha Artest in June 2003, and the couple had three children together: daughters Sadie and , and son , who later pursued a professional basketball career, including stints in the and overseas leagues. He also has a son, Jeron, from a prior relationship with a high school girlfriend. The marriage ended in on June 30, 2009, after which the former couple shared of their children and maintained an amicable relationship focused on co-parenting responsibilities. Raised primarily by his Metta Sandiford amid his biological father's limited presence and parental separation, Sandiford-Artest prioritized consistent involvement with his own children despite the extensive travel demands of his NBA career across multiple teams and seasons. This commitment reflected a deliberate effort to foster stability, as evidenced by his public advocacy for improved fatherhood practices, including initiatives to encourage men to engage more actively in child-rearing. Post-divorce, the co-parenting dynamic with Kimsha provided a supportive framework for their children's upbringing, enabling Sandiford-Artest to balance professional obligations with paternal duties, such as attending events and offering guidance in pursuits.

Mental health journey and self-improvement efforts

Sandiford-Artest began at age 13 to address trauma from his parents' and a fire that destroyed his family's apartment in Queensbridge, New York. He has described long-term struggles with depression and anxiety rooted in an unstable childhood, including parental and neighborhood violence. Reports have also linked him to , citing family history and personal accounts, though he has primarily emphasized control and emotional regulation in public discussions rather than a formal . Following the 2004 incident, Sandiford-Artest intensified his therapeutic efforts, crediting ongoing counseling with enabling his personal stability and extended NBA career, which lasted until 2017. During the 2010 Lakers championship celebration, he publicly thanked his psychotherapist, highlighting therapy's role in managing impulses that previously derailed his progress. He has advocated personal accountability alongside treatment, arguing that —rather than external excuses or victimhood—underpins lasting change, as evidenced by his shift from reactive outbursts to structured . In 2018, Sandiford-Artest authored No Malice: My Life in Basketball or: How a Kid from Queensbridge Survived the Streets, the NBA, and a Mental Breakdown to Become an All-Star and Champion, detailing strategies for channeling into and critiquing over-reliance on quick fixes without internal effort. He has appeared on podcasts such as the Show in 2021, sharing techniques for emotional mastery drawn from and self-imposed routines, emphasizing causal links between childhood patterns and adult behaviors over passive narratives. Despite these advancements, observers have noted persistent inconsistencies, such as erratic public statements and interpersonal conflicts into the , suggesting therapy's benefits are limited without sustained, voluntary discipline amid high-pressure environments. This aligns with broader evidence that interventions like counseling address symptoms but cannot fully supplant individual agency in preventing relapses, as Sandiford-Artest himself has acknowledged regretting delayed trust in others while underscoring his proactive role in growth.

Media, entertainment, and advocacy work

Television appearances and acting roles

Sandiford-Artest participated in the 13th season of the reality competition series Dancing with the Stars in 2011, performing under the name Metta World Peace alongside professional partner Peta Murgatroyd. His debut cha-cha-cha to Pitbull's "Krazy" earned scores of 5, 4, and 5 for a total of 14 out of 30, and he was eliminated in the second week after a jive performance. In 2018, he appeared as a houseguest on the first season of Celebrity Big Brother (US), where he engaged in gameplay and discussions reflecting on his NBA career and personal growth. He made guest appearances on various television programs, including an episode of Hawaii Five-0 in its 10th season (2019), where he portrayed a character in the episode "Ne'e Aku, Ne'e Mai." Additional spots included Yo Gabba Gabba! (season 4, episode 6), Ridiculousness (season 8, episode 11), and a comedic sketch on Key & Peele. These roles often highlighted his athletic background and larger-than-life persona, serving as brief cameos rather than extended narratives. In acting, Sandiford-Artest debuted in the ensemble Think Like a Man (2012), playing a supporting role amid a cast including and . He followed with parts in film Waking (2013) and the series The 5th Quarter (also known as 5th Down), which he pursued concurrently with his NBA tenure as a means to explore creative outlets beyond . Critics and observers noted his on-screen presence drew from his charismatic, unpredictable real-life energy, though opportunities remained limited to minor roles emphasizing physicality over dramatic depth. These endeavors contributed to his post-retirement media diversification, leveraging name recognition from his Lakers championship and name changes for visibility in entertainment.

Music production and Artest Media Group

Sandiford-Artest entered music production during his NBA career as a , releasing his debut album My World on October 31, 2006, through the independent label Lightyear Records. The 21-track project included songs addressing personal struggles and street life, such as "Haterz" and "Cash Money," reflecting his Queensbridge upbringing and experiences. In June 2010, shortly after contributing to the Los Angeles Lakers' NBA Championship win, he issued the single "Champions" via Tru Warier Records, a motivational track produced amid discussions of potential remixes featuring artists like 50 Cent, T-Pain, and The Game, though no such versions materialized. The release garnered attention in hip-hop circles but achieved limited mainstream commercial traction, aligning with his overall discography's niche appeal on independent platforms. That same year, Sandiford-Artest established Artest Media Group as an artist management and , partnering with SMC Recordings for distribution to sign established hip-hop acts while nurturing affiliated talent. The venture handled his subsequent projects, including tracks like "G'd Up" in 2011 featuring Big Sloan, Challace, and Ruc, and served as a platform for brand consulting in entertainment. By 2017, under his Metta World Peace moniker, the group oversaw the release of the 12-song Where We At, further emphasizing entrepreneurial self-management over major-label pursuits. These efforts yielded modest revenue through indie channels and streaming, prioritizing creative expression as an extension of his personal growth rather than blockbuster success.

Philanthropy and public advocacy

Following the 2004 Malice at the Palace incident, Sandiford-Artest established initiatives aimed at promoting non-violence among urban youth, including the Artest Foundation, which focuses on reducing aggression through education and athletics programs. The foundation has hosted basketball camps and workshops nationwide, partnering with his son to provide access to sports as an outlet for at-risk children from inner-city environments like Queensbridge, New York, where Sandiford-Artest grew up amid poverty and crime. These efforts emphasize practical interventions, such as skill-building clinics, over abstract messaging, with the foundation's children's book project in 2013 explicitly targeting non-violence education for families and schools. In 2011, Sandiford-Artest donated $120,000 to charities supporting in the Queensbridge area, funding programs for and in his hometown neighborhood. He also contributed over $300,000 across multiple donations that year, including $37,500 specifically to a organization aiding underserved populations, reflecting a pattern of direct financial support rather than solely promotional activities. As co-founder of Artest (formerly Xcel University), he raffled his 2010 in 2021, directing proceeds to expand programs offering , , and life skills training for children from high-risk urban settings. Sandiford-Artest has publicly advocated for resources in and communities, donating portions of his NBA salary to related causes and speaking on coping mechanisms for trauma survivors, though measurable outcomes like participant success rates in his programs remain limited in public data. Critics in sports media have questioned whether such serves primarily as personal redemption following his history of on-court and off-court incidents, but the verifiable funding—totaling hundreds of thousands in targeted gifts—demonstrates concrete resource allocation to youth access in education and sports, areas empirically linked to reduced in longitudinal studies of urban interventions.

Legacy and recent developments

Influence on basketball defense and team roles

Ron Artest's defensive prowess, characterized by physicality and versatility, established a template for perimeter defenders capable of guarding elite scorers across multiple positions. As the 2004 NBA Defensive Player of the Year with the , Artest demonstrated an ability to disrupt opponents' offenses through relentless on-ball pressure and post defense, often assigned to the league's top wing threats. His style emphasized strength and intimidation, influencing subsequent generations of forwards who prioritize switchability in zone and man-to-man schemes, though direct causation to modern switching defenses stems more from his positional flexibility than explicit innovation. In team roles, particularly with the from 2009 onward, Artest exemplified the role-player archetype by subordinating personal offensive output to collective defensive schemes, contributing to the 2010 NBA championship. His presence correlated with improved team defensive efficiency; for instance, the Lakers allowed 2.15 fewer points per 100 possessions with him compared to off, underscoring his stabilizing impact on rotations and help defense. This sacrifice—averaging reduced scoring volume post-Pacers prime—enabled stars like greater isolation opportunities, highlighting Artest's utility in win-maximizing lineups over stardom. Critics note that Artest's stagnant offensive development, including inconsistent three-point shooting and limited playmaking evolution, constrained his trajectory toward superstardom despite defensive accolades. While capable of efficiency in his Pacers tenure, his adaptation struggles in systems like the and reluctance to expand beyond physical scoring limited broader impact, positioning him as an elite specialist rather than a two-way force. This specialization, though, reinforced the viability of defense-first forwards in contention-caliber teams, a model echoed in later role players prioritizing championships over stats.

Public perception evolution

Following the 2004 "" incident, public perception of Ron Artest solidified as that of a volatile whose on-court aggression escalated into chaos, marking it as a defining in his career that overshadowed prior achievements. This view persisted through his subsequent trades and suspensions, framing him as a high-risk talent prone to self-sabotage rather than a reliable contributor. A pivotal shift occurred after Artest's key role in the ' 2010 NBA Championship win, where his defensive contributions and poise in high-stakes games prompted narratives of redemption and maturity, transforming him from pariah to embraced . This culminated in his 2011 legal name change to Metta , explicitly framed as a symbolic gesture to promote unity and inspire youth amid global strife, though critics noted it as a deliberate to eclipse the "Artest" associated with turmoil. Mainstream outlets amplified this "Peace" pivot, often emphasizing personal growth over enduring patterns of intensity, a tendency reflective of broader media inclinations toward redemptive arcs that prioritize contextual sympathy—such as trauma or environment—over unvarnished accountability for behavioral choices. Yet, fan and analyst responses reveal a persistently divided legacy, with polls and discussions highlighting polarization: while some celebrate his defensive prowess and utility, others maintain toward sanitized portrayals, underscoring that does not erase foundational perceptions of impulsivity. Right-leaning commentary tends to stress individual agency and the causal weight of repeated on-court decisions, resisting narratives that dilute responsibility through framing, whereas left-leaning sources more readily invoke biographical hardships to foster forgiveness, illustrating how ideological lenses shape interpretive divides without altering empirical sequences of events. This bifurcation endures, as evidenced by ongoing debates where validation coexists uneasily with indelible images of disruption, defying uniform resolution.

Honors and ongoing activities as of 2025

In March 2025, Sandiford-Artest was recognized as a BIG EAST Legend, representing St. John's University during the conference's men's basketball tournament at in . In June 2025, following the ' firing of head coach , Sandiford-Artest publicly campaigned for the position, asserting that his experiences as a player and mentor had prepared him to lead the team. The bid drew support from figures like , who highlighted Sandiford-Artest's defensive expertise and leadership potential, though the Knicks pursued other candidates and no hiring materialized. Sandiford-Artest continued providing media commentary on NBA matters, including predictions for ' career trajectory, where he forecasted status based on the rookie's defensive skills, , and adaptability observed in early professional play. He also weighed in on the ' dynamics during their 2025 playoff run, disputing ' emphasis on as the team's primary leader and advocating for a broader assessment of contributors like . As of October 2025, Sandiford-Artest engaged in speaking events focused on sports and , including a appearance at BEYOND Expo 2025 to discuss intersections with athletics. No formal return to professional in a coaching or playing role has occurred, with his activities centered on advisory roles, , and selective media contributions.

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  166. https://nbaanalysis.net/its-clear-as-day-metta-world-peace-speaks-out-on-bronny-james-he-has-strong-stance/
  167. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/metta-world-peace-disagrees-lebron-192028599.html
  168. https://www.beyondexpo.com/2025/05/10/from-nba-legend-to-vc-leader-metta-world-peace-joins-beyond-expo-2025-to-talk-sports-impact-innovation/
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