Artestament

But according to a source close to Artest and away from his basketball life, he is very serious about retirement. According to the source, who didn't want to go on record for fear of reprisal, Artest plans to play overseas for a year or two, with hopes that he can put the seemingly nonstop turmoil behind him in a more discreet environment while leaving open the possibility of a return to the NBA. The list of off-the-court transgressions for Artest has only grown this season, from his dog being seized by Placer County in late January to his March 5 arrest on domestic violence charges. Sacramento Bee

Honestly, at this point, does anything this guy does surprise anyone? He could announce that he plans to play for an "overseas team" from fucking Jupiter and I wouldn't bat an eyelash. The only ways this can possibly play out are as follows: 1) Ron is Ron, and within a week, his bi-polar valley will have passed, he'll be back on a peak, and he'll take back everything about retiring and re-re-re-recommit to playing for the Kings. 2) Ron is Ron and he goes to play for Dynamo Bucareste or some other Eastern Euro squad. He loves it in Romania, claims EuroLeague is the new NBA, punches out a ref, starts a riot in downtown Galatz, and has his jersey retired by the KGB. Bear in mind none of this comes as a surprise to anyone. Somewhere Larry Bird is kicking back with an ice cold brew thinking, "I guess Jamaal Tinsley isn't that bad..."