The 21 Most Outrageous Moments In Ron Artest/Metta World Peace History

The signing of Metta World Peace to the Knicks is the best thing that could've happened this NBA offseason. His larger than life personality is going to fit perfectly in his hometown, New York (born and raised in Queensbridge), and if we've learned anything from the 32-year-old veteran up until this point of his career, it's that we can always expect the unexpected.

Sure, he used to be a real hothead in his early years with the Bulls and Pacers, but there is no denying the level of maturity he has recently reached. Maybe it's that California air or the work of some of Hollywood's greatest psychologists, but whatever it is, the guy formerly known as Ron Ron is no doubt the most loveable player in the NBA.

Just follow him on Twitter and you will understand why he truly is one of a kind. He speaks candidly about the most random sh*t and while it may not always make sense, it's always pure entertainment. He lives in a world of his own and next season, as a member of the Knicks, we can expect fireworks as he teams up with fellow Twitter All-Star JR Smith.

But as we look forward to the future, it's important that we remember his past -- just so we can brace ourselves for some of the crazy sh*t that's sure to go down. From his humble beginnings to his Hollywood adventures, these are the 20 most outrageous moments ins Ron Artest/Metta World Peace history.

When he applied for a job at Circuit City to get an employee discount

As a rookie member of the Chicago Bulls in 1999, we saw some early signs of his craziness. Ron Artest first shocked us when he applied for a job at Circuit City to take advantage of the hot employee discount. He wrote "NBA Player" for his prior occupation and Bulls president Jerry Krause  as his reference.

When he admitted to drinking Hennessy at halftime

Ron admitted to getting sauced during halftime as a member of the Bulls. He went on to say during an interview with Sporting News, "I used to drink Hennessy...at halftime," Artest said. "I (kept it) in my locker. I'd just walk to the liquor store and get it."

When he pantsed Paul Pierce during a game then sang him an apology

When he got suspended two games because he asked for a month off

Ron Artest is an entrepreneur. So when he asked the Indiana Pacers for a couple months off during the 2004-05 season to pursue his R&B music career, they responded in the best way they deemed possible: suspend his ass for two games. Are you crazy Ron?! Yes, he is.

When he beat the sh*t out of Pistons fans

When he got accused of abusing dogs

Ron didn't exactly have the best neighbors in Sacramento during his time as a member with the Kings. In fact, they were straight up snitches! On one occasion, they reported the NBA star for his treatment of his dogs, saying that he was "letting them loose" and "not feeding" them. We all know Mr. Artest loves his animals. There's no way he would  do such a thing! Today Ron is now a close affiliate with PETA.

When he went wild in Utah

When he tried to choke out Kobe in the Playoffs

When he approached Kobe in the showers to join forces

Ron once consoled Kobe Bryant in the locker room showers, after the Lakers' loss to the Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals. The only weird part? Kobe was all alone and Ron wasn't even on the Lakers. The exchange went a little like this, "I want to come help you," Artest said. "If I can, I’m going to find a way to come to LA and give you the help you need to win a title." Kobe still has no idea how he got into the showers.

When he chose to wear no. 37 in honor of Michael Jackson

Artest finally got his wish and signed with the Lakers in July of 2009 for five years and $32 million. He infamously chose the no. 37 jersey in honor of Michael Jackson's smash hit "Thriller," which was no. 1 on the Billboard charts for 37 straight weeks. A touching tribute to say the least.

When he told the tale of his friend who was murdered on the streetball court

When he told reporters that he grew up with roaches

Thanking Jesus he still has his teeth

When he made the song "Champions" before winning the title

When he immediately thanked his hood after winning his first title

Then this wild press conference

When he changed his name to METTA WORLD PEACE

While people may think that his name change was just another case of Ron being Ron, there was a much more profound reason behind it all: "Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world." It's a traditional Buddhist word that means loving kindness and friendliness toward all. Not bad, Ron!

When he elbowed the sh*t out of James Harden (the opposite of peace)

Then he punched Brandon Knight

When he got pranked by Jimmy Kimmel

When he auctioned off his championship ring... for charity

Leave it to Metta to be completely selfless and to sell his championship ring for a greater cause. After winning his first title in 2010, he decided to auction it off for $500,000 for a charity for youths with mental illnesses. It's a noble move by the greatest character in the history of the game!

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