Artest's Metta World Peace Bid Delayed Due To Traffic Warrants
LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Ron Artest's bid to become Metta World Peace has been delayed.
A Los Angeles court commissioner delayed ruling on a name change petition by the Lakers forward until Sept. 16, citing the Lakers star's outstanding traffic warrants as the reason for the delay. Artest said he was unaware of the tickets and has requested copies.
The hearing was originally scheduled for Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court in downtown LA.
Metta, a Buddhist word, is the philosophy and practice of universal love.
Artest, 31, has said he wants to change his name to "bring more awareness toward world peace and mental health issues," according to the Los Angeles Times.
Artest has suffered from mental health issues in the past and has been an advocate for the federal Mental Health in Schools Act. The Lakers star also auctioned off his 2010 NBA Championship ring and donated the proceeds to his mental health charity, Xcel University, and others.
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