News of Ron Artest’s decision to change his name to Metta World Peace had the odd side effect of nearly giving a comedy club promoter a minor panic attack.  Greg Charles, the director of publicity for Carolines on Broadway, New Yorks best-known comedy club, learned Friday that Artest had filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court to change his name to Metta World Peace. Artest, long known for his eclectic interests, is scheduled to host four comedy shows at Carolines on July 15-16, and the club has been promoting the event with ads that use his namethe old one. Theres even a sign outside the club touting Ron Artest: The Ultimate Comedy Tour.  Understandably, Charles found the news of Artests legal proceedings somewhat disconcerting. Would the club have to change things up? Print new posters? Rename the show? (Metta World Peace: The Ultimate Comedy Tour does have a certain ring to it.) But after a call to Artests manager, Charless concerns were allayed. The court isnt scheduled to consider Artests petition until Aug. 26.  So weve decided to keep things the same, Charles said. If the name change does go into effect, it wont be until well after Metta World Peace swings through town.  The news was first reported by the celebrity website TMZ during the first round of Thursday nights NBA draft, and David Bauman, Artests agent, called the timing unfortunate. Artest had intended to file the petition earlier in the week, Bauman said, but there was an unexpected delay. He really didnt want this to overshadow the draft or the ongoing labor talks, Bauman said. He knew it would be a two-month process, and its something thats been in his head for a while.  There is precedent for this sort of unorthodox name change. Lloyd Bernard Free, the former NBA player, changed his name to World B. Free, and wide receiver Chad Johnson changed his name to Chad Ochocinco. But Artest seems to be taking things to another level. According to UrbanDictionary.com, Metta is a sincere wish for the welfare and genuine happiness of all beings, without exception.  Artest, a former star at St. Johns University, has averaged 14.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game over a 12-year career, which includes an NBA title in 2010. But as a member of the Indiana Pacers in 2004, he was part of an infamous brawl during a game against the Detroit Pistons. As a result, Artest served a suspension for the rest of the season, including the playoffs.  This is all part of the quest for redemption that Ron Artest has been through, Bauman said. When he won a championship with the Lakers, that was something he felt great about. But he also understands people are going to associate Ron with the happenings in Detroit. I think this is him exorcising his personal demons.  Reached for comment, a Lakers spokesman said: We hope Metta World Peace is as good a player as Ron Artest.
Yes, Ron Artest will host a comedy show, and no, he won't have legally changed his name to Metta World Peace by that time.