Ron Artest has donated a NBA title ring to highlight mental health issues
Ron Artest, who is considered as one of the premier defenders of the Lakers side has said that he has no regret upon presenting his Lakers Championship ring to raise mental health awareness in the society. He also said that his initiative for mental health
advocacy motivated him to go out and get another ring.
Artest donated his ring for the winner of the charity raffle at Staple Center, which is a place where Miami Heat thrashed the Lakers in the NBA’s Christmas showcase game. It is to be noted that Ron Artest, who achieved a title of Defensive player of the year
award in 2004, is not only a legend in his game but also popular for his outspoken behavior and charity based activities. He served famous basketball teams like Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers, whereas his performance while playing with Indiana Pacers was
the best of his career, with an average of 18.3 points per game during the season 2003-04.
Ron Artest’s participation in the video with a theme of advocating ethical treatment of the animals in 2008, his announcement in 2010 that he will donate some of all his salary for mental health issues, are all examples of his huge desire to donate in charity
based activities as much as he can. While commenting on the desperate defeat from the Bucks, Ron Artest said it was an entire team’s defeat and the happening is not new to him and the Lakers. It happened before and will happen in the future. He was in a funny
mood and said it wasn’t and will never be an ejection of Jesus Christ from basketball. According to media reports, the ring presented by Artest has gained a worth of about $600,000 which will be given on various charities but particularly in the area of mental
health. Raymond Mikkael from California was announced as the winner of the charity raffle. Artest said that he is quite excited because he got lot of exposure and before the game against LeBron James, he thinks that he has started a good work with charities.
On the other side, Artest’s act of donating his NBA title ring to highlight mental health issues is also being criticized. His extraordinary contribution for mental health area and other charity based initiatives have proved his unusual feelings for humanity
care. Some people laughed at Artest’s contribution, who has declared unique charitable gifts by thanking his psychiatrist and for normalizing mental health issues, prevailing in society. Ron Artest, while discussing the amount achieved on draw stated that
he is not aware about the exact figures but the amount has touched over $500,000, which will be used for high risk youths facing mental health problems. He appreciated the support given by the Lakers’ team members and fans, in the raffle. A magnificently designed
Lakers rings, franchise's the 16th championship, consists of sixteen outsized white diamonds showing the Lakers title. Each Lakers ring contains a piece of the ball that was used while playing against the Boston Celtics in Game seven. Two championship
trophies are also designed with 16 karat gold, to multiply the ring’s worth.
Artest is not satisfied from the unconventional gesticulations of charity in the society. His recent announcement to donate a huge amount of $6.79 million that includes his next season’s salary, only for the mental health charities, is also superb. He thought
that it would be quite tough for him in today’s economy but he also wished to have some tax break from Obama on this Christmas because his everyday living, costs a huge amount. Ron Artest amusing statement that "Sorry to say, diamonds are not like a girl's
best friend to me," has made his desires clear.
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