It's hard to squeeze in any commentary about the latest on Ron Artest's mind and itenerary these days. Why? Well it's too hard to keep up with the changes of plan. On Monday, the colorful Los Angeles Lakers forward told ESPN Radio LA that he had been approached about competing on ABC's hit reality show Dancing With The Stars, but it sure sounded like he wasn't planning on agreeing to participate:
↵↵↵On the rumors of him being on next season of Dancing With The Stars:
↵"They asked me to, but I just don’t feel comfortable wearing leotards and lingerie."
↵Seems like he’d be the type of guy who would feel comfortable wearing those kinds of outfits and performing:
↵"I mean like Prince; I don’t want to look like Prince though."
↵So can he not dance?
↵"I’m just saying I like Prince but I don’t want to wear the same clothes as him."
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Funny stuff.
↵Looks like DWTS fans will need to keep a close eye on Artest's wardrobe when he does make his dancing debut, and just how uncomfortable he appears in the garb on national television, because Artest announced Tuesday that he would in fact be on Season 13 of Dancing With The Stars. Naturally, his young daughter pushed him to participate:
↵↵↵"At first it was not appealing," Artest confesses. "I did not want to do it. I don't dance and all of the dressing up and everything, but my daughter Diamond was like, Daddy, you should do it."
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By agreeing to participate, Artest effectively has shut the door on playing basketball overseas while the NBA Lockout drags on. Artest had declared an interest to play in England where basketball is a mere afterthought, partly because he wanted to pursue acting opportunities in London. Instead he'll stay stateside and put on his dancing shoes:
↵↵↵"I had a chance to play basketball overseas and I had a chance to do Dancing with the Stars," Artest says. "She asked me to do it, and I thought I could dance and raise some money for cancer research. I'm going to donate the profits."
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