Artest-ic impressions for today’s youth
Ron Artest, talking to children as part of a community service sentence, defended his actions in the November 2004 brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills. “Someone started trouble and I ended it,” Artest told about 50 children Wednesday at a panel on black empowerment in Detroit. “I would always encourage you to protect yourself … If you can avoid (certain situations), avoid them.” The Sacramento Kings forward also spoke about his upbringing in a broken home. He said he started getting into trouble after his parents divorced when he was 13. “I was very sad and I always wished they got back together, but they’re not,” Artest said. “If that happens to anybody, you have to worry about yourself. You can’t worry about your parents at that time, because obviously they aren’t thinking about you.”
A suitable workout
“I got to stand and watch practice in pads today. It was a big step for me.”
Grant Wistrom, Seattle Seahawks defensive end, on being a spectator at practice Wednesday in his return to “action” since undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason
TV series getting the “Dirt” on Fox
Rick Fox may have given up basketball, but not the spotlight. The former Los Angeles Lakers forward has scored a recurring role in the new FX television series “Dirt.” Production begins this month on the hour-long drama, which stars Courteney Cox as the editor-in-chief of two top tabloids. Fox will play Prince Tyrese, according to his spokeswoman. Fox, 37, has collected a handful of acting credits over the past 12 years, including “Holes,” “Eddie,” “He Got Game” and “The Collectors.” He most recently appeared as a shirtless, sought-after masseur in the movie “Mini’s First Time.”
