Explosively controversial Los Angeles Laker Ron Artest is set to star in his own reality show called “They Call Me Crazy”. Artest has been a lightning rod with on and off the court problems and drama since being drafted 16th overall out of St. Johns University by the Chicago Bulls in the 1999 NBA draft. He has played for the previously mentioned Lakers and Bulls as well as the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers.
“They Call Me Crazy” will document the highs and lows of Artest’s life which will “allow him to make amends for past transgressions” according to production companies E1 Entertainment and Tijuana Entertainment. As with what seems like every professional athlete these days Artest has a hip hop label, Tru Warier, that will also benefit from the exposure. The hopes is that the show will shine a light on some budding young talent in the Tru Warier camp including Artest.
Here is Artest recently on Lopez Tonight talking about his rap game, the new show, and the fact that his 6 and 9 year old daughters will also be performing on the label and that they will be part of “They Call Me Crazy”.
Ron Artest actually has one of the best player websites around, the graphics are amazing and if his site, ronartest.com, is any indication, the show could be a success. He’s a listenable MC, check out a recent music video called “Get Lo” featuring Mike Jones:
Artest was first thrust into the national spotlight when he was involved in one of the most embarrassing and violent moments in the history of the National Basketball Association. During a game between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons on November 19th, 2004 a massive brawl broke out that extended into the crowd and involved a number of people in attendance. Artest was hit with a cup of beer and charged into the stands. The fallout was huge including a 73 games plus playoffs suspension for Artest which is the longest non-drug or betting related suspension in league history.
This is a clip of that brawl (please note that some of these images are extremely violent).
Other controversial issues that have floated around Artest include comments that he has made that he drank Hennesey cognac during halftime of several Bulls games. He once attended a practice in a bath robe when he was a member of the Indiana Pacers. He was suspended for two games by his coach Rick Carlisle in the 2004-05 season for asking for a month off due to exhaustion from promoting the group Allure on his production label.
Some of Artest’s actions have been offensive and regretfully memorable, I guarantee the producers of the show are banking on exactly that commodity.
