Report: Ron Artest to Play for Cheshire Jets (UK)

In late July, Ron “Metta World Peace” Artest told SLAM he was leaning towards playing in England should the NBA lockout persist. And today, about three weeks later, reports have surfaced indicating the Lakers forward will indeed take his talents and character across the pond to play for the Cheshire Jets of the British Basketball League. The source: Artest’s Twitter account. The L.A. Times has the details:  “Sometime in the next month, Lakers forward Ron Artest will be taking his talents to the Cheshire Jetsof the British Basketball League, according to a person who was familiar with the negotiations but wasn’t authorized to speak about it publicly. It’s also easy to argue Artest would take his weaknesses and off-court distractions with him too, but no one close to him would confirm that part. Artest pretty much appeared to confirm his plans to play with the Jets, however, by posting a picture of a fan holding a jersey featuring his proposed name change, ‘Metta World Peace.’ It still remains unclear when will mark his first day in a Cheshire Jet uniform, but the team website indicates that its season begins on Sept. 30 and runs through April 22. Per FIBA rules, Artest would have to return to rejoin the Lakers as soon as the NBA lockout ends. ‘Go Jets!!!!! Uk , here we come!!!’ Artest tweeted. ‘Jets are the best!!! Jets are the best!!! New chant!!!!!!!!!'”