"Don't You Know I'm Ron Artest?"

With Memorial Day around the corner, I'm reminded even through sport of the great country we live in. In what other country would a one time fan favorite lose it all, only to regain it in the blink of an eye as Ron Artest did last night. The Ron Artest story needs no recounting as it has been well publicized throughout the years culminating in what has now come to be known as "The Malice at the Palace". On that night Ron Artest, then with the Indiana Pacers, entered the crowd sparking an every man for himself brawl between players and fans. Mix in a few weird rap videos, a drunken fall down a flight of steps and an attempt at a part time job at circuit city and you've got Ron Artest in a nutshell. Why would an NBA player need a part time job you ask? Well, because he wanted to take advantage of the employee discount……Ohhhhh Ok, great idea! It's been a long road back for Artest, a road that has included stops in Sacramento and Houston. Ron, known more for his defensive talents, has managed to stay away from the public eye, and coincidentally enough had his last "Artest Moment" on that very court at the Staples Center last year against now teammate Kobe Bryant. In game 2 of last year's Western Conference Finals, Artest and the aforementioned Bryant, had to be separated as Artest approached Bryant in a very threatening manner, after he felt he was elbowed illegally by the Laker great. Artest was ejected shortly after, and in my opinion, more so because of his reputation than his actions. When asked what exactly was said to Bryant, Artest's replied "What are you doing, don't you know I am Ron Artest". Good, bordering on great stuff. Life has a strange way of circling back, as Bryant was the first player to embrace Artest. What a difference a year makes, huh? This year's embrace did not involve an ejection, and the hero in L.A. at least for the night was Artest. Listening to the post game wrap up and early morning evaluations, the story centered around a player overcoming an off night to hit THE biggest shot of the night, the game winner. I have a feeling for Artest, it meant much more than that. Only in America People.