Ron Artest: Metta World Peace Makes Dancing with the Stars Memorable

Metta World Peace, the man formerly known as Ron Artest, failed in his first act as dancer. However, he succeeded in the one thing on Dancing with the Stars. He made it a memorable evening. 

It's almost a shame that Dancing with the Stars mandates dancing, otherwise Artest would be the biggest star in the cast. 

This is a character that was made for reality television. You never know what is going to come out of his mouth, or how he will present himself. 

The man that is now Peace was the first dancer presented in the season 13 opener. That was a no-brainer decision as Peace will certainly grab viewers and keep them tuned to ABC. 

He was as dynamic as I thought he would be, talking about his chances to compete with as much passion as he does about future Lakers opponents. 

The man may be a great many things, but you can't ignore his zeal for life. Then came the dance routine, which had me laughing and cheering in one rare moment. 

The rest of the episode was seen with slight enthusiasm. But when Peace was on, I had my full attention on the TV and the bizarre images coming from it. 

Artest moved as gracefully as Shaquille O'Neal with a toe injury. He commanded my attention like a buddy who had too much to drink and wanted to impress me with a drunk maneuver. 

I guess plodding would be the best way to put Peace's (That is as awkward sounding as I thought it would be, Peace's) dancing routine in perspective. 

His hair was mysteriously blonde, and so was the beard he was rocking. The hips moved in spastic brilliance, attempting to invoke some measure of sensuality. 

All the while I kept thinking, this is so awesome. 

I love Metta World Peace, not because he is great at things, but because he has a zeal for life, despite failure. I have seen him hit a three-pointer moments after dribbling the ball off of his leg. 

The man knows how to create a moment, good or bad. That is why he commands my attention, and will win the hearts of a DWTS—mad world. 

I don't mind the loss of the NBA, just as long as I have my Metta World Peace.