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The former Ron Artest's ballyhooed switch to Metta World Peace is approved during a brief court session. The Lakers star skips the hearing because of a 'jam-packed schedule' for 'Dancing With the Stars.' Lakers' Ron Artest changed his name to Metta ...
The former Ron Artest's ballyhooed switch to Metta World Peace is approved during a brief court session. The Lakers star skips the hearing because of a 'jam-packed schedule' for 'Dancing With the Stars.
September 16, 2011, 3:40 p.m.The most ballyhooed name change of the year became official Friday morning when a Los Angeles County Superior Court commissioner approved the former Ron Artest's request to become Metta World Peace.
Anyone now making his acquaintance will be meeting Metta World Peace. Those on a first-name basis can call him Metta, while those a little further removed can buy jerseys with his last name of World Peace stretched across the back.
The most ballyhooed name change of the year became official Friday morning when a Los Angeles County Superior Court commissioner approved the former Ron Artest's request.
World Peace was expected to attend the hearing, but about an hour after the court doors opened, his attorney, Nahla Rajan, announced that the Lakers forward was not coming. A few minutes later, Commissioner Matthew C. St. George approved the name change in a hearing that lasted about 30 seconds.
World Peace's publicist, Courtney Barnes, said his client had been contemplating the switch for years, "but it took many years of research and soul-searching to find a first name that was both personally meaningful and inspirational." Metta is a Buddhist term that means loving kindness and friendliness toward others.
"Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world," World Peace said in a statement. "I'm glad that it is now official."
World Peace had hoped to adopt his new moniker last month but was rebuffed because of an outstanding traffic ticket. He was cited for driving without a license and faced an additional charge after missing a court date, Rajan said.
And it may be spreading fast. Barnes confirmed reports that World Peace's 8-year-old daughter, Diamond, wants to adopt her father's new surname.
World Peace must now obtain a new driver's license and passport. Barnes said his client would more fully explain his name change Monday when he appears on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."
Though World Peace was not required to attend Friday's hearing, Barnes said his client was on his way a few minutes before the court session was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Artest's name was listed first on the docket.
When World Peace had not arrived by 9:30, St. George told others waiting to have their names changed that he would hear their cases first. Shortly thereafter, Rajan said her client was not coming.
For the critics: Is your reason for criticising Ron because he changed his name at all or because of what he changed it to. It seems like the criticisms here are no more than I-do-not-like-the-Dr. Fell-the-reason-I-cannot-tell. Just a little something to think about. I have not found a single writer in all of American history who has criticized Booker T for adopting the last name Washington. Also, I would like to know if the critics would criticize Pau Gasol if he changed his name to Paul Green. My guess is, none of the critics would respond to my questions. I dare you. Now, prove me wrong.mike g at 1:
Ladies and Gents, Metta no doubt a certified mentally chanllege RETARD. A train wreck waiting to happen, trade this clown ASAP. LA is already filled with FRUIT, FLAKES AND NUT...A REAL looney tune.
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