Apr15
Ron Artest: "Have the balls …"
Posted at 11:58 AM | Permalink
| 
Comments (9)
Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest is the star of a new PSA for PETA urging basketball fans to "have the balls to spay or neuter your dog." Artest has never been shy about speaking his mind, and, in addition to bringing him a fair share of headlines throughout his career, this trait has shown itself off the court through community involvement, charity work, and a willingness to speak up for those less fortunate than himself. This is what he had to say about his new ad for PETA.
TAGGED:
Comments
What a gorgeous, charming man. Thank goodness for real men in our society who are willing to send out such a message.
If kids want to volunteer at a shelter, don't forget that you don't have to work with every animal; if you just like dogs, just cats, or just small animals / rabbits, you can pick and choose! There are many options, including just working with the public.
Also don't forget that although it is a serious commitment, it's really fun and worth it in the long run!
Posted by: Maya, CVT | April 15, 2008 12:20 PM
Maya,
Its been awhile! This is my problem with Ron Artest. Do you think he is a good man just because he is speaking on behalf of animals? Have you ever read or watched some of his antics on and off the basketball court? This is one of the guys that got arrested in Detroit for getting in a fist fight with fans in the stands. Believe me when I say this, Ron Artest is the last person I would want influencing my nephews and niece and my future children.
I believe he has been arrested at strip clubs for fighting and gun possesion as well. Therefore, when people speak ill of Mr. Heston for his ties to the NRA, then surely PETA can't let this gun totting man speak for them!
Then again, maybe he changed his ways!
When I lived in Indianapolis and he played the Indiana Pacers, not many people liked this man, evn though he was probably our best player. Most of us felt that he was not a good representation of our city and state!
Just a thought!
Posted by: Kurt K | April 15, 2008 02:24 PM
Good for him!
Posted by: lynda downie | April 15, 2008 11:36 PM
Too bad there are not more role models like this for young people.
Posted by: Antigone1000 | April 16, 2008 10:48 AM
As an avid sports fan myself, I agree with you 100% Kurt. Since joining the NBA, this guy has been nothing but trouble. His speaking out for animals is a step in the right direction, but certainly not enough to warrant him being a role model for today's youth. I don't understand why people look to actors or sports stars to be role models for their kids. Whatever happend to parents being role models for their children? A better role model would be a regular joe that doesnt have millions of dollars but still works hard to make the world a better place for both humans and animals. I would much rather read a story about that type of person as opposed to spoiled celebrities who have never known a hard days work in their life.
Posted by: Walker | April 16, 2008 11:25 AM
Hi Kurt! Nice to see you again! ;)
You're right, I don't know this guy at all. He just seemed sweet on the video. However, I try not to judge people too harshly.
Quite frankly, I don't have children of my own so I don't have that in the back of my mind very often.
I think fighting and guns and strip clubs are despicable, but I also know that some people also just get caught up in a bad culture and don't have the best judgement, although they have good hearts.
A very famous study at Northeastern University in Boston showed a definite link between animal abuse and criminal violence in general.
Of course that does not automatically equate to the opposite, but I have found that people who have compassion towards animals have a good chance of cleaning up their character if given the right direction and peer influence.
Let's hope Artest has that in his future. In the meantime, I like rewarding good behavior by praising people for doing the right thing.
;) Glad to see you again!! ;)
Posted by: Maya, CVT | April 16, 2008 01:02 PM
Who is this person?
Posted by: Dr.Breen | April 16, 2008 03:21 PM
Thank you - Ron Artest for your support in this important topic! For sure you will have your place in paradise! Every good deed shall be honored one day!
Posted by: Avatar | April 17, 2008 10:39 AM
Ron Artest might have had several front-page issues (ie: the "Malace at the Palace" et all) however it is clear within the past few months he's really tried to focus on community service. If anyone saw the pieces that the King's Network did on Ron going to Africa it's clear that this man is using his wealth and influence for a positive purpose and we should salute him for it.
Posted by: Justin | April 17, 2008 04:15 PM