The Sporting News has dropped a bombshell on the NBA with an interview with Ron Artest where Ron-Ron alleges that he used to down hard liquor at half-time during games when he was a Chicago Bull. He stated:
"I used to drink Hennessy...at halftime, I (kept it) in my locker. I'd just walk to the liquor store and get it."
Really?
I found the last part of the NY Daily News article to be the most poignant where Artie Cox, an assistant and associate head basketball coach at Christ the King HS, Artest's coach from a very early age - and someone that knows Ron Artest very well - stated he was dubious as to the truth of this.
"I don't believe it, I really don't think it's true. Ron tends to make up these comments to get certain reactions out of people. Ron is a very smart guy. He knows what to say to get people all riled up. That stuff can't be true what he's saying. I don't buy it."
Ron Artest might actually be certifiably crazy (he definitely wants us guessing), but given the way he was capable of playing then, I have my doubts and thing that Cox is on the money with his perception of the situation.
This can't be too pleasing for the Lakers tho'. I'm sure that they'd prefer #37 to let his on-court play do the talking.
From the NBA's perspective, it could put them in a bit of a bind... but I believe that David Stern's too smart to worry much overly about this. I imagine that when posed with the question about what he thinks about what Ron Artest said, he'll respond with a wry smile and,
"Ron Artest says a lot of things."
And leave it at that. Or... maybe as a Laker-fan that's what I'm hoping.
Whichever reality you believe, it'll be interesting to see the way the NBA goes on this.
Me?
Storm in a teacup.
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