LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 15: Ron Artest #37 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on while taking on the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
In the NBA, there are hundreds of strange and funny incidents. Scandals have always been a part of the NBA. Ron Artest, the former NBA player who played for multiple teams was linked in multiple legal issues. He was a part of the famous Malice at the Palace incident in 2004. Artest was accused of Domestic Violence in 2007 and he was jailed for 10 days before getting suspended in the NBA. These controversies brought shame to Ron Artest and his NBA career was ruined.
Ron Artest is now Metta Sandiford-Artest, but not many know he was named Metta World Peace. Ron Artest changed his name twice in 2011 and 2020. The reason for the change of name is a surprise and many NBA fans were amused by Ron Artest’s decision to change the name as he found it boring. Artest also changed his name to inspire youth and be a role model. This is something surprising from a player who was a part of a brawl with fans.
Ron Artest became Metta World Peace in 2011. He also revealed “Metta” is a Buddhist word and its meaning is loving kindness. Artest was tired of being called Ron Artest and he was a part of many legal issues. These are the reasons for his name change. In 2020, Metta World Peace changed its name to Metta Sandiford-Artest. This time he added his wife’s name and also his old name. When Ron Artest played for the Sichuan Blue Whales, he thought of changing his name to Panda Friend.
Ron Artest made his NBA debut with the Chicago Bulls. He also played for teams like Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks. Artest played as a Small Forward and won the NBA title in 2010. In the NBA, Artest has completed 2,600 assists. He also scored 13,000 Points throughout his career.
Ron Artest was a part of the NBA all-star team in 2004. Artest’s net worth is $30 million. In the NBA, Ron Artest accumulated more than $20 million as earnings. Ron Artest is the founder of the The Artest Foundation and he also created the XvsX Sports platform. Ron Artest is married to Maya Sandiford Artest. He married Kimsha Artest in 2003, but the couple separated in 2003–2009. Ron Artest has 4 children.