When I heard that Ron Artest was holding a triumphant barbecue parade homecoming in Queensbridge, NY — the place he grew up — I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. To see someone so beloved come home to the area he cherishes as an NBA champion is special; and to cap it all off, the folks would hear the Ron Artest Tru Warier concert featuring his new song, Champion.
I emailed Artest, who makes his social information very public, and lo and behold, he responded. He gave me the number of his publicist, a bus ticket to New York and all of a sudden I was standing in the middle of Queensbridge Park on Thursday, getting a personal tour from Ron’s entourage of the projects Ron grew up in, the court where he dribbled his first basketball and the barbershop where he hung out.
Artest shares a very interesting relationship with the area and people of Queensbridge, as he’s one of the few athletes who are regularly associated with the place they grew up in. Most athletes who become professionals usually disassociate themselves from their home base, whether they mean it or not as they get drafted by teams in other cities and slowly drift away from the roots that made them who they are.
Can you remember where Michael Jordan called home? Alex Rodriguez? Kobe Bryant goes so much out of his way to ignore Lower Merion, Pa., that the people there basically loathe him. After almost every Artest interview you’ll usually hear a quick “QUEENSBRIDGE” shoutout, to remind his gigantic pseudo-family he’s thinking about them.
And most invariably, they’re returning the favor. The fierce loyalty that Artest has shown to QB has been repaid tenfold by the people there, who had nothing but glowing words to say when I brought up his name. Simply put, it was like a Justin Bieber concert.
“When Artest won that NBA championship it was just as if every single one of us in Queensbridge won it along with him,” said Chuck D., a friend of Artest and aspiring comedian. “You won’t believe the amount of tears I saw streaming down everybody’s faces. I’ve seen a whole bunch of very talented people come from QB (like Nas and Mobb Deep) but none of them ever did what Artest did, which is bring us an NBA championship. Artest is bigger than Obama in Queensbridge. We are so extremely proud of the kid.”
Artest, like a true man of the people, arrived to the scene from the F line of the New York City subway a few minutes late of his estimated 4:30 p.m. arrival time. He was promptly swarmed by the Queensbridge faithful until he was surrounded by a ten-deep mob of outstretched hands holding Ron Artest Queensbridge t-shirts locals created for the occasion. This spectacle continued on for the entire time Artest spent outside as everywhere Ron attempted to turn he was met with new challengers for his handshake and signature. Young girls squealed at the mere glimpse of the brim of Artest’s hat. I even heard one gentleman yell from the outskirts of the circle of hysteria, “PLEASE LET ME THROUGH, ALL I WANT IS TO SHAKE HIS HAND!” If aliens descended upon the earth at the time of the Artest barbecue, they might’ve assumed Artest was our God.
Though most men would feel extremely tired and uncomfortable to get stuck in the middle of a massive throng of people for basically four uninterrupted hours on a sweaty summer day, Artest exhibited zero signs of frustration. In fact, from what I could see Artest probably wants nothing more than to be constantly surrounded by the people he loves most on the planet, the residents of Queensbridge.
Earlier in the day Artest was awarded a Citation from the City of New York and a Community Recognition Award from the residents of Queensbridge. Then he was asked to say a few words in acceptance of the dual awards. The most poignant moment of the speech? When Artest proclaimed, “This community recognition award means more to me than anything because it was given to me by you guys.”
Later, as Ron paraded to the barbecue from the Jacob Riis Settlement House where the award ceremony was held with his daughter on his shoulders, his son at his side and the people he loves most in the world doggedly in pursuit of their community hero, I stopped to take a peek at the expression on Ron’s face. Pure elation. If that isn’t making it in the world, I don’t know what is.
***
Still to come; Josiah Schlatter’s exclusive interview with Artest, a video of his meandering award acceptance speech, a talk with Artest’s son about why he didn’t root for his father in the NBA playoffs, and an assortment of crazy tales. See you Monday.
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- Phil - Lakers Fan - Jul 16, 2010 at 5:19 PM
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Love to read stories like this. it’s just a great human interest feel-good event, the man is so likeable you want to cheer for the guy!
phil
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- Lakerfan - Jul 16, 2010 at 5:20 PM
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Need to do some research before throwing out statements.. Kobe goes to Lower Merion every year to visit, talk to the basketball teams, his teachers… and his HS coach is still there.. and the coach helps with Kobe’s basketball camps.
Lower Merion is not Philly though. Philly fans hate him though his basketball personality and attitude is very Philly, so unlike LA.
And, Ron’s too social.. LOL. Never seen someone thank his psychiatrist.. but, as long as he is sane and is in control!!
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- tejano2k - Jul 16, 2010 at 5:23 PM
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Another hater probably backing a LOSER team. Can’t stand Kobe’s success, huh? In Kobe’s case as with a lot of other “rape” cases involving high profile people, it’s usually about $$$. Kobe messed-up, big time, getting into a situation like that. But rape, I doubt it. In reality, Kobe, or many other high profile athletes, actors, etc…if they wanted to could probably take your girl (if you have one) from you at a snap of their fingers. Not hatin’…Just saying.
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- mick-7-1961 - Jul 16, 2010 at 5:30 PM
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I’ll write this real slow for you…read my last post….not an NBA fan anymore…too many rapists (like Bryant) and thugs (like Artest)..kapish?
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- yoyoma - Jul 16, 2010 at 5:31 PM
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Don’t hate on Queensbridge…Say Queensbridge!
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- seth - Jul 16, 2010 at 5:35 PM
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I had no problem with Artest until he decided to join the Lakers. There was a great rivalry between him and Kobe, then he caves in and joins LA as a roll player to win a ring. All he did was bandwagon with the defending champs. LA already proved they could win without him. Why would he want to win a ring that way?
Just to be clear, Im not an Artest hater. I like his swagger and toughness. I just didn’t like his decision to join LA.
Now I hear reports that Kobe is out trying to recruit Raja Bell!!?? All this plus the the big 3 in Miami!!! What’s the NBA coming to???
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- moorerless13 - Jul 16, 2010 at 5:37 PM
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U must be white!!!! To call someone just because they made a mistake in life!!!! Who are you to be judging someone!!!! Like ur perfect and have never made a mistake!!
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- tejano2k - Jul 16, 2010 at 5:46 PM
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Steven, Steven. Take your meds and get some rest. Then, wake up to the reality that none of us is perfect. We all screw-up somehow at some point in our lives.
Hopefully, like Kobe, we can recoup our shattered lives and the lives of those we may have hurt in the process. Kobe will always be loved or hated for different reasons and he has learned to live with that. To judge him as you do, must mean your house is pretty “shatter-proof”. Remember, Kobe went through the full due process of the law. The woman (can’t call her a “lady” in the true sense of the word…read facts for yourself on this)decided that the $$$ were more important than a long trial where she may be found out she’s not as innocent as she claimed she was. By the way, how did we get on this path instead of praising Artest for his great play in the Finals?
Go, Ron! Go Kobe! Go, Lakers!
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- steve - Jul 16, 2010 at 6:01 PM
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Great article. Gives a different picture of Ron. I’ve never been a fan because of his lack of self-control and his outbursts, but this shows a wonderfully different side. I’m so impressed that he wants to share his victory with real people, the people he grew up with. Well done Ron. I hope other athletes learn from your example.
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- LALakers80s - Jul 16, 2010 at 6:01 PM
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First, this is a beautiful story about Ron Artest, who has remained faithful to his roots and is humble. Yes, he’s made mistakes, who hasn’t – but he has learned and grown, through it all NEVER FORGETTING QUEENSBRIDGE. For that he gets kudos from me. I have been following the NBA since the 1980s.
Secondly, the Kobe thing was a stupid error in judgment – I doubt it was rape. He does not seem to be that type of person. Unless you were in the room with him and this girl at the time, let’s not cast absolute judgment. I am a mother of a daughter, so this next statement should mean something. It is unfortunate that many women throw themselves at successful men, just to get their 15 mins of fame or money. And, sometimes, these men, who are driven by their egos, fall in a moment of weakness. They should not have to pay for it for the rest of their lives. Kobe has already paid for it dearly when sponsors ran away from him to LeBron. This is what made LeBron so famous and rich, even though he is not THE MAN. Just let him go on with his life. I wonder if any of the people who are so quick to judge are completely blameless and have done nothing irresponsible or something they regret. The only person whose opinion matters on the topic is Kobe’s wife.
Peace out to all – let’s enjoy a moment instead of stooping to our lower selves.
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- mick-7-1961 - Jul 16, 2010 at 6:09 PM
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boo-frikken-hoo…I’m crying so hard right now that I just might think both Kobe and Ron are two of the most righteous people to ever dribble a basketball. No, it’s not working…Artest is still a thug and Kobe, well, he got away with rape, plain and simple.
Nice try though, you had me going for a few sentences.
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- yoyoma - Jul 16, 2010 at 6:55 PM
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If a player goes somewhere else to get a ring, that’s fine. Just don’t waist an hour doing it. QUEENSBRIDGE!!!
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- LoveisaSplendidThing - Jul 16, 2010 at 7:02 PM
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Mick…
Step away from the keyboard and go take a little nap. Go outside and get some fresh air and think pleasant thoughts. You are showing to be an angry individual that does you nor anyone else any good.
Peace my friend.
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- mick-7-1961 - Jul 16, 2010 at 7:11 PM
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“Love Is A Many Splendid Thing…” that tune will be in my head for the rest of the evening. Might even be in the wife’s I-Pod.
FYI, not angry, Love…@ 62 year’s old, no anger left in me. Just not a big Artest or Bryant fan, that’s all.
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- Rob - Jul 16, 2010 at 9:56 PM
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Grow up! Plain and simple.
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- Jonathan - Jul 16, 2010 at 10:09 PM
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“Kobe Bryant goes so much out of his way to ignore Lower Merion, Pa., that the people there basically loathe him.”
This this writer an idiot?
Kobe for like the past 5 years has done a lot for his hometown high school. Ever year during the regular season when the Lakers are in Philadelphia to play the Sixers Kobe has made it a point to visit the high school basketball team at Lower Marion and has visited with his old teachers at that school. He also down basketball camps hosted by him and he made Lower Merion a partner with NIKE where they receive custom made team NIKE shoes the basketball team every season.
This writer needs to do some research before he runs his mouth on his internet column.
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- luffy - Jul 16, 2010 at 10:17 PM
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To sum it up, you’re 62 yrs. old, you’re not a Kobe or Ron fan but definitely a fan of Rape and as you said not an NBA fan…
We understand, now you’re putting the hate on good people, pity you. ..
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- Jonathan - Jul 16, 2010 at 10:30 PM
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Here is what is so stupid from Kobe HATERS who are quick to play the “Kobe is Rapist” card. These people truthfully are just upset, angry, and jilted fans from mainly (Boston,Phoenix, Colorado, Portland, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Antonion who mainly hate on Kobe because Kobe & the Lakers have beaten these teams many times in the playoffs & NBA Finals. There is also the group of Kobe Haters out there who are mainly Michael Jordan fans who are very insecure because Kobe is close to tying & passing Jordan in the championship rings department. But whats is so stupid is that all of these Kobe Haters use the “Kobe is a Rapist” card to hate on Kobe but at the same the double standard is that another high profile champion athlete like Ben Rothlisberger who has twice been brought up on serious sexual assualt & rape charges basically gets a free pass and does not get all of the horrible backlash and does get crucified in the media and public opinion like what happened to Kobe or Tiger Woods. Why because Big Ben is white and not black like Kobe & Tiger Woods.Bottom line no matter how you look at it that’s just racism which will never go away.
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- Curt - Jul 16, 2010 at 10:48 PM
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If your not a fan of the NBA than why did you decide to read this article? You can call Artest a thug and Kobe whatever, that is your choice, but don’t claim you don’t like the NBA but choose to read this article. By the way, what makes Artest a thug? What he did in 2004 was wrong, but there are a lot of people that would of reacted to someone throwing beer in their face.
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- Whatever - Jul 17, 2010 at 12:45 AM
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you must be a white male because if you think for a second that Artest is a thug then you don’t know what a real thug is my friend.
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- Whatever - Jul 17, 2010 at 12:49 AM
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Gotta love white people!! I don’t hear anyone crying foul play about Big Ben. Damn hypocrites.
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- Showtime Lakers - Jul 17, 2010 at 10:19 PM
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Why did you bring up Kobe’s name in this? What does Kobe have anything to do with this article? Do some research because you’ll end up looking like an idiot.
“Kobe Bryant goes so much out of his way to ignore Lower Merion, Pa., that the people there basically loathe him.”
Do you have proof to back up your statement? Kobe is loved by his old high school, former teachers, and current students. He goes to visit his former high school every year when the Lakers play the 76′ers. Kobe even went back to LMHS in Jan of this year.
BTW, LM is the name of the school not the city. LM is located in Ardmore.
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- Jimee Johnnson - Jul 18, 2010 at 12:33 PM
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Artest took the subway, just like you or me! He is down to Earth, a real person living a dream. Congratulations Ron Artest.
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- WAYNESWORLD - Jul 18, 2010 at 1:08 PM
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TOTALLY,TOTALLY,AGREE WITH YOU MAN.
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- ocgunslinger - Jul 18, 2010 at 8:35 PM
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If your not an NBA fan then quit spending your time on an NBA blog and get off this site you jerk. Go anywhere and stay away. Your comments are ALL worthless in content.
