Convinced that his image could use a whitewash, Ron Artest visited Nairobi, Kenya last week to distribute food to the people there, along with a few other NBA dignitaries. With a mix of humility and image-repairing, Artest was also interested in doing his Kunta Kinte bit, trying to connect with his ancestors.
Once there, Ron-Ron was shocked by the poverty, and somewhat relieved that the people - the kids - had no idea who he was, and accepted him as just a guy who was willing to touch them and feed them, giving them a reprieve from the AIDS and stench that was their daily life.
He drank milk mixed with blood and danced with the native warriors who were with them on a trip out to the jungle, where the wildlife made an addtitional impression of a different kind on him.
Swearing that he will be back soon to do more good (the plan of the group was to provide enough rice for an estimated 44 million meals to the residents of worst areas around Nairobi), Artest now wants to direct his energies - energies that at one time were devoted to promoting his "bad rap" music - into more community activities, both there in Africa and back in Sacramento, where he plans to volunteer to represent the Kings organization around town at charitable functions and....um....animal shelters.
Since his summer will be somewhat extended thanks to David Stern and the NBA (a seven game suspension to start off the 2007-08 campaign), Artest can plan for more visits where he can do some good.
Well.. with only a seven game suspension to start off the season, it is clear that Ron has certainly improved, hasn't he? Maturing at his age can be painful to watch.
Oh, and Geoff Petrie has told him he no longer is looking to trade him, but only taking phone calls periodically regarding his availability. Petrie expects both he and Mike Bibby to be with the Kings at the start of the season.
Notwithstanding those first seven games, of course.
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/278696.html 
