Ron Artest, Metta World Peace | featured news

When Metta World Peace of the Lakers threw an elbow at Oklahoma City’s James Harden — who sustained a concussion — the N.B.A. joined the N.H.L. in a parade of violence in sports.

"Dancing with the Stars" viewers didn't give Metta World Peace a chance. The basketball star formerly known as Ron Artest was the first celebrity ejected Tuesday from the 13th edition of the ABC dancing competition. The show's judges gave World Peace the lowest score on Monday's premiere: 14 out of a possible 30.

This may be the last time Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest will answer to that name.

Yesterday, Ron Artest's attorney filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court seeking to change the Los Angeles Lakers forward's name to Metta World Peace. Born Ronald William Artest Jr., the 31-year-old cited personal reasons for wanting to make the change. This is not the first time a sports personality has changed their monicker, neither is it the first time a musician has changed their name. After the jump, a list of the weirdest name changes we can remember.