I don’t like it. Not one bit.
Right now, nobody should be mocking the troubled Stephon Marbury, especially Ron Artest.
I get that Artest is enjoying life. I was wowed when the forward signed with the world champion Los Angeles Lakers in July. And like you, I smiled, laughed, and appreciated his summer antics. In fact, I was happy he had found some sort of peace.
Until now.
Yesterday, Artest crossed the line when he released a video that cracked on the damaged and fragile Marbury. The lockdown defender called his shot by dedicating his singing to Marbury and imitating Starbury’s signature video blog style of going shirtless.
Not long ago, life was difficult for Artest. There were no rap concerts in China or Celine Dion impersonations. Instead of being Laker-nation’s newest cult hero, Artest was, like Marbury, public enemy number one.
I remember the brawl in Detroit. I remember his request for time off from his day job with the Indiana Pacers to promote his music career. I remember him walking out on those very supportive Pacers mid-season. And I’m pretty sure I remember a domestic assault accusation and a cruelty to animals charge with the Sacramento Kings.
Here’s what I remember most during those difficulties: Artest repeatedly asked the public not to judge or criticize him. So I didn’t. Like most people I tried to be as respectful as possible and accepted that he probably needed professional help.
To be fair, Artest turned the corner last year. He was a model citizen on-and-off court for the Houston Rockets. He seems destined for big things with Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Most importantly, he’s happy.
However, Artest should remember it wasn’t always this way. And perhaps, he should extend the same courtesy he requested, wanted, and in some cases received to Marbury.
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