Ronald William Artest, Jr. (born November 13, 1979) was born and raised in the Queensbridge projects in Queens, New York an is an American professional basketball player who currently plays with the Houston Rockets of the NBA. Artest gained reputation as one of the premier defenders winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004. However, he has caused controversy in the past for his role as one of the central figures in the Pacers-Pistons brawl.

In spite of his abilities, Artest has been the subject of much controversy. During his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, he was subject to criticism for applying for a job at Circuit City, just to get an employee discount. He once attended an Indiana Pacers practice in a bath robe. He was suspended for two games in the early 2004-05 season by Pacers coach Rick Carlisle after he allegedly asked for a month off because he was tired from promoting an R&B album for the group Allure on his production label. Artest had also been suspended for three games in 2003 for destroying a television camera in Madison Square Garden, New York City, and for four games for a confrontation with Miami Heat coach Pat Riley in 2003. He has also been suspended several times for flagrant fouls. (via Wikipedia)