What do you think about this Ron Artest quote: Acceptable or no?

Question

In response to Yao Ming's comment about Artest possibly still being a troublemaker.

"I understand what Yao said, but I'm still ghetto," Artest said, according to the report. "That's not going to change. I'm never going to change my culture. Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don't think he's ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture. Once Yao Ming gets to know me, he'll understand what I'm about."

Answer 1

it has to be acceptable

he didn't say anything bad and he was defending what yao ming said about him

Answer 2

Nothing wrong with that. He's being honest, you have to respect that. Yao and Artest will learn how to play with each other with the Rockets.

Answer 3

It's kind of sad that he putting an entire race and saying that they are just like me.  I don't think its true at all.  I think its an insult to African Americans and he should apologize.

Answer 4

yes it is acceptable

Answer 5

I think you need to read the entire article in the Sacramento Bee to keep it in context.  I chalk it up to Ron being Ron.  Obviously he is a little pissed by what Yao said, then he sorta  backtracks on his comments, saying it's Yao's team.  Reading the article it sounds like he is defending running into the stands during the brawl, and that he'll never change.  I'm not sure that is what Houston mgmt wanted to here.  I think Ron is basically a good guy, but the dude is as unpredictable as he!!.  He wants a long term commitment from the Rockets, and he won't be happy until he gets it.  The question is does Houston want to sign this guy who claims he will never change to a long term deal.

"I understand what Yao said, but I'm still ghetto," said Artest, who will earn $7.4 million next season and be a free agent next summer. "That's not going to change. I'm never going to change my culture. Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don't think he's ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture. Once Yao Ming gets to know me, he'll understand what I'm about.

"If you go back to the brawl, that's a culture issue right there. Somebody was disrespecting me, so he's got to understand where I'm coming from. People that know me know that Ron Artest never changed."

Answer 6

only thing i didnt really like about that was that you could take that as him saying ' being ghetto is part of our culture' and pretty much not admitting he did anything wrong in that brawl at the palace.

what does being ghetto have to do with representing your culture?

Answer 7

I'm glad someone finally had the guts to stand up and define what "ghetto" really is.  According to Artest, ghetto is a BLACK culture in which despite your status in society (penniless beggar or multi-million dollar professional athlete), you must always be at the ready to settle things with violence and profanity.  And, you can never change.  Hopefully, next we can get an equally educated Latino to define "barrio."

Answer 8

it's kinda whacko. he just made black men look bad. hes the idiot, he doesnt do this c**p just because he is black, thats a lame excuse, and yes Ron, he's played with Tmac, and Tmac is black. it better change or else the rockets will give you away like the Pacers did.  

Answer 9

He is a Moron. He gives inner city people a bad name. Sounds like things are off to a bad start!

Answer 10

Acceptable, he didn't say anything bad about others!