World Peace put on hold by courts

World Peace finally was expected to arrive Friday. But Ron Artest has deprived us all of that glorious moment.

The Los Angeles Lakers forward wasn't able to officially change his name to Metta World Peace as planned because he first must clear outstanding traffic warrants. Artest's next court date is set for Sept. 16.

Artest, who infamously charged into the stands during a 2004 game against the Detroit Pistons, had been looking forward to announcing the official change.

"You can call me Ron today, and then it's over. It's a wrap," Artest told Yahoo! Sports on Thursday. "It's about love, world peace. Everybody can relate to that, whether it's in the same community or the same state or the same country or whether it's a country going to war. It's about world peace. You know what I mean? The kids need to know that, and they know that now."

Thanks for clearing that up.

Artest also said he plans to change his jersey number from 15 to 70 next season.

He has worn several numbers in his career to honor Michael Jordan and Michael Jackson, among others. But the odd Artest is digging deeper into his mysterious mind this time around.

"I'm changing it to 70 because it's like something to do with the universe," he said. "Everything kind of repeats itself. The universe is one. It's the same thing. Healthy minds, just keeping the kids positive."

Sounds like Artest might have missed a few therapy sessions since he thanked his psychiatrist on national TV after Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals.

Then again, he hasn't been the same since he proclaimed his sadness that Pluto no longer was a planet.

■ AZINGER ZINGS, ZINGED -- ESPN golf analyst Paul Azinger ripped President Barack Obama on Thursday, tweeting "Facts: Potus has played more golf this month than I have: I have created more jobs this month than he has."

Not surprisingly, ESPN quickly reprimanded Azinger.

"Paul's tweet was not consistent with our social media policy, and he has been reminded that political commentary is best left to those in that field," ESPN spokesman Andy Hall said in a statement.

Facts: Azinger soon might have time to play plenty of golf and create another job opening -- his own.

■ BELICHICK CURBS ENTHUSIASM -- Bill Belichick, the unemotional New England Patriots coach, would seem a natural fit for a show titled "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

But "Curb" and "Seinfeld" creator Larry David isn't enthused about the idea of Belichick appearing on the HBO comedy with New York Jets coach Rex Ryan.

"I might have the power," David said Friday on a Boston radio show, when asked if he could unite the rival coaches on his show. "I certainly don't have the interest, although I do like Rex a lot. Belichick does not seem like he would deliver a scintillating performance."

In a possible attempt to gain favor with David, Belichick said his candy of choice at the Patriots' recent screening of the film "The Fighter" was Junior Mints, which was featured in a popular "Seinfeld" episode.

COMPILED BY TODD DEWEY
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL