Many NBA players have had controversies in their careers. However, this 43-year-old ex-Laker is considered to be one of NBA’s most controversial stars. He was considered to be hilarious, crazy, and unpredictable by many. Despite being paid well and loved by their respective franchises, NBA athletes are exposed to a lot of “hate” from all over the world. This former NBA star was surrounded by controversy throughout his NBA career, as many fans labeled him as an “aggressive” guy.

In a recent Twitter post, the 43-year-old former NBA star shared a heart-warming photo of what he is up to now.

Ex-Lakers’ Metta Sandiford’s different side

From changing his name from Ronald William Artest Jr. to “Meta World Peace” to “Panda Friend” during his season in China to finally changing his name to “Metta Sandiford-Arrtest” for good, the controversial former NBA star was always in the news for all the wrong reasons.

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His disagreement with the then Detroit Pistons power forward Ben Wallace, instigated the infamous “Malice at the Palace” incident. He was suspended for 73 games and the playoffs over the incident, which brought major criticism to the NBA community as a whole.

The former NBA champion in his latest tweet, flaunted his most recent “Philanthropy” recognition on his “X” account. After having admitted to finally “finding peace” in a New York Times interview in 2019, one can finally see that Metta Sandiford-Artest does in fact have a kind heart.

As an active voice and contributor to different charities, the former NBA star was awarded the “Most Inspiring Athlete” in 2023 on the 50th anniversary of “Wheel Chair Charities” foundation.

Metta Sandiford- Artest’s Controversial NBA Career

Apart from the “Malice in the Palace” incident, the now 43-year-old NBA veteran had many other strange NBA moments during his NBA career. Despite winning an NBA championship in 2010 and spending time with then-teammate, the Laker legend late Kobe Bryant, Metta Sandiford-Artest did not listen to anyone. He even had gotten into a heated altercation with the Late Kobe Bryant a year ago.

Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant both got a little heated during the 2009 Western Conference Semifinals after Ron was elbowed in the throat by Kobe Bryant (both were on different teams then). After which, Artest pointed at Kobe and made a gesture at his throat. He was ejected from the game for this gesture.

There are other instances, like when he confessed to drinking alcohol during halftime of NBA Games, randomly pursuing a rap career after winning the 2010 NBA Finals, and much more! It is amazing to see Metta Sandiford- Artest giving back to society as he enters this new chapter of his life.

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What are your thoughts on the former NBA star’s heart-warming post? Let us know in the comments below!