Ron Artest was a little embarrassed about the interview he did with The Sporting News.  In that interview, he admitted to drinking during games and wanting to fight Ben Wallace.  Wow, I can understand why he would want to clear that up since those are some pretty controversial statements.  Have at it Ron:

Artest said Thursday during the interview that the drinking took place “a lot of times before the game. It probably lasted for about a couple weeks, or maybe a month. I can’t exactly remember.”

Artest didn’t elaborate about drinking during halftimes of games.

“I know before games, sometimes, I would take some sips before games,” he said. “Most of the time it would be like when I would drive to the game with one of my drivers, it would be right before the game.”

Hmmm…that doesn’t really clear things up very much, but okay, I mean he was a young NBA player who couldn’t handle the fame.  I’m sure his comments about wanting to fight Ben Wallace were way off though, I mean that could get him in a lot of trouble.  Clear that one up for us Ron-Ron:

“I don’t want to fight Ben Wallace in no street. I don’t want to fight Ben Wallace on no basketball court. But after our careers are over, I will fight Ben Wallace in the boxing ring. But not out of hatred. But out of it would be a good boxing match. So don’t look forward to me fighting Ben on a basketball court, because that’s not going to happen.”

Okay…well at least he isn’t going to start another brawl with Wallace on the court, but I can’t say that was totally comforting.  While this is the kind of stuff that gets Artest in trouble, its also the kind of thing that makes him so great.  Why should he back down?  He was being honest about everything.  Keep it coming Ron!

Ron Artest is famous for being insane.  Did he really see someone stab someone to death over a basketball game as a kid?  Did he really run into the stands over spilled beer?  Does he really think he’s a good rapper?  It’s basically accepted as a fact that he took a job at Circuit City while he was with the Bulls to get a discount.  But while he is definitely nuts, so far there is no reason to think he’s a liar.  Which makes this new story all the more disturbing:

Ron Artest says he drank alcohol during games as a member of the Bulls, in part because the team lost so frequently.

“I used to drink Hennessy … at halftime,” said Artest, who played with the Bulls from 1999-2002 and now is with the Lakers. “I (kept it) in my locker. I’d just walk to the liquor store (near the stadium) and get it.”

I mean sure it’s boring to lose games, but I don’t think that excuses this.  On the other hand, at least he was putting forth effort which is more than can be said for the current incarnation of the Bulls.  I probably would have been drinking on those crappy teams though, so who am I to judge?

h/t: Ethan

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So as I’m up late studying last night, I was passively listening to Inside the NBA.  I have found that the NBA is a great thing to have on in the background because I can tune it out due to its general lack of excitement, and still be able to pay attention for the five minutes or so that are actually interesting.

Well in the Rockets-Lakers game last night, a few notable events occurred.  First, the Lakers went to the line whenever a Houston player looked at them funny.  And when you’re dealing with the unique mugs of guys like Scola, Yao, and Artest’s haircut, that happens a lot.  Second, there were a ton of cheap shots.  Kobe has been the ringleader of the dirty play thus far with a cheap shot at Battier in Game 1 and an elbow to Ron Artest’s throat last night.

The pinnacle of entertainment came in the postgame interviews though, when Artest took a trip down memory lane for an anecdote about how he is ready for physical play.  Role that video! **Update: Story Confirmed.

Yeah, go ahead and watch that again.  Seriously, if Kobe tries to throw something through his heart, he’ll be ready.  If Brick wields a trident, Artest will not be phased.  Ron Artest continues to astound America with his ability to shock.  Last night just added another level of depth and a little more insight into the life of Ron.

Moving back to Kobe before we get back to a video of another Artest moment, what an unmitigated jackass this guy continues to be night after night.  After his shots to Battier in Game 1 when Battier was trying to get off the floor, he hits Artest in the throat with an elbow in Game 2, then gets T’d up for taunting Battier shortly thereafter.  Who taunts Shane Battier?  What’s Shane going to say back? “I certainly respect your opinion sir, good luck.”

Talking trash has become part of the game, so it’s hard to be mad at him for that, but when viewers see you shout the same line over and over during the same game, that’s not cool.  At least give us some creativity.  Nothing would make me happier than seeing Houston knock L.A. out of the playoffs.

Anyway, here is a video of Artest after Game 6 of the Rockets first round win.  Also, check out the related video involving Yao and Artest and the club.  That came from the same press conference.  Go in about 0:50 for the good stuff.