Metta World Peace changes name to Mecca World Peace, denounces Obama & US policy

Mecca World Peace plays peek-a-boo with Wizards Player

LOS ANGELES, CA – In an unexpected yet completely unsurprising move, Los Angeles Lakers small forward Metta World Peace has legally changed his name to Mecca World Peace. This marks the second time he has changed his name in the past year. Born as Ronald William Artest, Jr., Artest changed his name to Metta World Peace during the 2011 offseason as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Questions immediately arose wondering why World Peace decided to make another name change after such a short time donning the name Metta. His publicist Courtney Barnes released a statement on behalf of the National Basketball Association star to explain the sudden name change:

“When I changed my name a year ago, I wanted to promote a message of love and peace around the globe. I made the decision in the wake of the killing of Osama bin Laden. I felt that now that he was gone, the healing process could truly begin for not only the country that I love, but the whole world. However, the world has been without the presence of bin Laden for over a year now, and I feel that more violence has erupted all over the globe, but especially in the Middle East. For this reason, I have decided to change my first name to Mecca after the Islamic holy land to which Muslims make their pilgrimage at least once in their lives.”

Many met this explanation with skepticism, as they did for his first name change, given World Peace’s long history of inappropriate and often violent behavior on the court. Most recently, World Peace was suspended following an elbow to the head of Oklahoma City Thunder player, James Harden, after World Peace was celebrating a dunk during an emotionally charged 2012 playoff game. Perhaps most notably, however, was his involvement in a 2004 game as a member of the Indiana Pacers, where Artest charged the crowd after a drink was thrown at him. He essentially started an out-of-control brawl between players and fans alike.

To say World Peace’s emotions often get the best of him would be a massive understatement, and this proved to be true once again in a series of late-night tweets (that have since been deleted). On his Twitter account (@MeccaWorldPeace), he further explained his second name change:

“Officially changing 1^st name to Mecca. 2 much blood spilled in Middle East. Middle East needs #WorldPeace & I need them.”

“Obama & his predator drones killin innocent ppl in Pakistan. Cant stand 4 this. I stand 4 #WorldPeace”

“Converting 2 Islam. Sorry grandma. I still love Jesus. Just love Mohammed more now. #HeadingToMecca”

Known equally for his questionable antics on and off the court, controversy has never strayed far from the 6’ 7” forward. World Peace is considered one of the premier defenders in professional basketball, but it will be tough for the Lakers star to defend his latest gaffe.