FanHouse Sacramento Kings

More Artest craziness. According to ESPN.com, the completely and totally unpredictable Kings forward is now threatening to retire:

Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest told multiple teammates this week that he wants to retire at season's end to spend more time with his family, according to club sources.

Reached via e-mail, Artest wouldn't confirm or deny making such declarations, telling ESPN.com: "We can talk about it after [the] playoffs."

As the item notes, this is hardly the first time Ron Ron has talked about getting out of the game. Prior to The Brawl, Artest was perhaps a little too vocal about how easily he could leave the NBA behind. Who knows how serious he is here, but this can't be good for the floundering franchise he was supposed to save. Also, it will probably be hard for him to spend more time with his family if he's required to stay 100 yards away from them.

Every year, debates rage on about exactly what the MVP means. Is it best player, best player on best team, player most crucial to his team, or some combination of the three? Hardcore fans have in the past voiced similar concerns about the Most Improved Player, which could refer to either a comeback, an expected leap, or something no one saw coming.

This season, the Kings' Kevin Martin is the odds-on favorite to run away with the MIP-no matter how you define it. But at least one opposing coach thinks Martin has no business getting the award. From The Sacramento Bee, via TZ's Sactown Royalty, here's George Karl's take on the subject:

"If I was Kevin Martin, I'd probably be disappointed if I was just Most Improved Player," Denver coach George Karl said. "How about, He's just a damn good basketball player? He's moved into a level of All-Star talent and skills. He's above and better than the award for Most Improved Player, in my opinion. He's real."

So basically, Karl thinks that someone who has improved too much shouldn't be considered. Or that the award is supposed to go to people who are still developing. The second kind makes sense; they don't give it to solid players who have All-Star seasons. But Martin has made a leap from promising to number one option. While it's unusual to see this happen so quickly, isn't this the most exciting kind of improvement possible? T-Mac and Zach Randolph got their MIP's under similar circumstances; maybe Karl is greatly underestimating the Most Improved Player award.

Well, they had the Artest press conference. And while none of my conspiracy-minded questions got answered, there was at least one totally bizarre occurrence.

A remorseful and emotional Artest addressed the situation for the first time in front of the media.

"First, I want to apologize to my wife, to my family ... " Forty seven seconds later he raised his head with tears in his eyes and continued.

"I want to apologize to the Kings, to my teammates, the NBA, everybody who supported me," he said. "For another incident to come up is very unfortunate, and I definitely want to apologize for my behavior."

Okay, so there's the heartfelt apology from Artest. Moments later, though, here's Petrie:

Petrie said the decision to bring Artest back was based largely on the presumption of innocence inherent to the court system.

"The presumption of innocence still stands," Petrie said. "He's a basketball player, and at some point he needs to get back on the court."

I'm having trouble finding the words the say this politely, but huh? Artest is crying, atoning, acknowledging he's done wrong yet again...and Petrie is talking innocent until proven guilty? I guess Artest feels bad that he's put everyone through this ordeal, even if he did nothing wrong. If he's not admitting he hit his wife, exactly what wrongdoing is he all choked up about?

Some big news, via Sactown Royalty: It's been widely speculated that Artest's days in Sactown were done. Not so fast, reports the Sacramento Bee. Artest is already putting in long hours at the practic facility, which is hardly the behavior of an exile:

Artest's late-night shooting session might signal a quicker-than-expected return, Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie on Friday evening wouldn't rule out anything...

Yet all indications are that Artest's absence will be short, as the Kings have discussed the possibility of Artest returning Sunday. Artest was arrested Monday morning for alleged domestic violence.

Petrie and Artest's attorney have apparently been meeting to discuss the troubled player's future. Apparently, "things are going to be put in place to help him deal with it." To me, this sounds like they're trying to move forward with the Artest Era. Then again, they could just be showcasing him-showcasing a semi-sane, functional star who can be handled-or an off-season trade.

At this point, though, who are they really going to fool?

Just in case you were starting to think he's more "quirky" than "thuggish," Ron Artest was arrested on a domestic violence charge this morning. From the Sacramento Bee:

Deputies who responded to Artest's home found a woman who had called 911 and, after interviewing her and Artest separately, arrested the Kings player.

Artest was arrested a charge of domestic violence and of using force or violence to prevent his victim from reporting a crime, officials said. He was booked into the Placer County Jail and bail was set at $50,000.

According to the report, a spokesman for the Placer County sheriff department indicated the woman "had injuries but she declined medical attention." There doesn't appear to be too much else information at the moment -- the Kings, understandably, aren't commenting just yet -- but perhaps more will be revealed during the sheriff department's press conference at 4 pm local (7 pm eastern).

Ironically enough, the Kings host a team all too familiar with Artest's antics when the Pacers come to town tomorrow, though it's probably safe to say Artest will likely miss that game.

There was one other indisputable highlight from last night. Ron Artest, who in the past has hit the court with a mohawk and a 'do promoting his record label, decided to promote unity through his scalp.

As Artest himself told the Sacramento Bee:

Ron Artest changed his hairstyle on Thursday night, trumping the Mohawk he wore back in mid-January with a more loyal look. He shaved "Kings" on the back of his head, with the lettering stretching from his left ear and nearly to his forehead on the other side.

"You can do that when you're on the best team in the league," the hyperbole-prone Artest said as he bounded through the locker room before the Kings faced the Lakers.

Just when Artest's looking like he's worn out his welcome...he comes with something that emphatically embraces the team. I'll never really understand why Arenas is "quirky" but Artest is merely a "thug." Sure, he might punch a few people, but otherwise he's the purest oddball this sport has.

Stuck in the middle of this fairly generic AP article about All-Star weekend is an interesting note from Gavin Maloof, who, along with his brother Joe, owns the Sacramento Kings.

Gavin Maloof, whose family owns the Sacramento Kings, said he wouldn't allow a player on his team who shared Hardaway's views.

"What he said was wrong," Maloof said. "I'm sure he's apologized but the damage has been done and he never should have said it."

That gets into some interesting territory; the firing of an employee for a personal belief. It is true that Tim Hardaway has the right to feel how he feels, but it's also true that Gavin Maloof has a right to choose who represents his organization. If he doesn't want his Kings represented by someone preaching hate, that's his prerogative.

But surely, somewhere along the line, the Sacramento Kings organization has had at least one (and in all likelihood, many more) player who shares Tim Hardaways thoughts on homosexuals. Fortunately for all the individuals involved (and unfortunately for those who seek an open discussion of the matter) none of those hypothetical players shared their opinions out loud.The Maloof Brothers Wouldn't Employ a Homophobe

Over the next few weeks, I'll bring you up to speed regarding all the latest parties and events planned during NBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas (Feb 15-19).

Event: "The West Side Story" hosted by Kings' forward Ron Artest.

Whoa, Like The Musical?: No. But Artest is expected to sing a few little ditties, including "Something's Coming From That Man In The Pistons Jersey", "Kevin Maria-tin", "Gee, Officer, It's Just A Dog", "I Feel Pretty Badass", and "One Hand, One Heart, One Forced Three-Pointer".

Date: Sunday, February 18. Immediately following the All-Star game.

Location: Behind the Ice House Lounge in a 16,000 sq. foot, two-story all-glass structure that is currently being erected. I'm dead serious.

Dress Code: No runners, no jeans, and no Great Danes.

Rappers and DJs, Yo: Too $hort, E-40, Mista Fab, DJ Biz Markie, DJ Franzen and DJ Mind Motion.

Eye Candy: Super model Coco Marie, seen here with a very happy Allen Iverson.

NBA Ballers Scheduled To Appear: Um, Allen Iverson?

Tickets: General: $150, VIP: $300. (VIP ticket includes no waiting in line, access to main level VIP, buffet, access to VIP bar and unlimited high fives.)

I'm not sure where this ranks on the list of Things We Should Have Seen Coming, but admit it; you didn't even blink reading the above headline. From KCRA.com -- Sacramento's breaking news, weather, traffic and NBA stars neglecting their dog leader:

Ron Artest, the Sacramento Kings star forward, is under criminal investigation on suspicion of animal cruelty.

Placer County animal control officers took custody of his black-and-white female Great Dane on Monday. She is now being treated by a veterinarian.

Oh, no, a Great Dane, Ron? Come on! A hairless Mexican Xoloitzcuintle. . . yeah, sure, that I can understand. But a Great Dane, man? Pathetic.

Neighbors said the dog is often left alone in the yard for months at a time without food and water. They said animal control has taken custody of his dogs on at least three other occasions.

If convicted, Artest could face a fine of up to $20,000.

Not surprisingly, Sactown Royalty is all over this story. Free Socks!