The status of the Newfoundland Rogues’ inaugural season may be very much up in the air, but the organization has big things planned when they’re able to return to the court.
Team President Tony Kenny says while the players and fans alike are disappointed in the need to postpone upcoming games, there may be an opportunity to finish out the season elsewhere, thanks to an unlikely supporter.
He says Meta World Peace, otherwise known as Ron Artest, and currently Metta Sandiford-Artest, has reached out to the team to see if there is anyway he can help them complete their season, even potentially helping them secure a venue in Los Angeles in order to do so.
Artest, one of the most eccentric and outspoken players in the history of the game, captured an NBA Championship with the Los Angles Lakers in 2010. He played for 6 NBA franchises over the course of his career, before retiring with the Lakers after the 2016-17 season. However, this isn’t Artest’s first taste of ABA action, as he signed a one-day contract with the San Diego Kings in 2019, taking on the defending Champion Jacksonville Giants, who were then coached by current Rogues bench boss Jerry Williams.
When asked if Artest could potentially suit up for the Rogues in the future, Kenny explained it may be possible through the league’s celebrity player rule.
He says the celebrity player rule allows them to suit up an extra player. It’s usually reserved for the mayor, premier, or even somebody like Dr. Janice Fitzgerald. It’s a fun way to engage the fans. Through that rule, Kenny says it’s “definitely” a possibility that Artest finds his way to the Mary Brown’s Centre.
