Why Can't Ron Artest Get The Benefit Of The Doubt

I have always found it amusing when friends and fans come running to me after something questionable has occurred regarding a prominent sports figure and not because I know they expect me to have some inside information.  I find it amusing because people always think the worst, or at the very least, they think something shady has been going on.

The latest example of this dynamic is the Ron Artest fall-induced concussion.  When the news first came out that the Lakers forward had fallen down a flight of stairs at this home, it didn't seem that many people were too concerned about his well-being.  Instead, they were all about hearing "what really happened," as if falling down the stairs can never be a legitimate excuse for suffering a concussion and a gash in your elbow.

Behind The Mic: Artest's Christmas Accident

Ron Artest Suffers Concussion In Fall At Home

UPDATE: Ron Artest was examined today in Los Angeles by a neurologist.  Diagnosis from his examination showed that Artest did suffer a concussion in last night’s fall.  Artest’s condition has improved since last night; however, he will continue to see a neurologist on a daily basis until he is cleared to return.  He is definitely out for tonight’s game against the Kings at Sacramento and his status beyond that will be considered day-to-day.  

EL SEGUNDO-   Lakers Forward Ron Artest was injured last night at his home when he tripped over a box and fell down a flight of stairs, suffering an injury to his head and left elbow.

Artest received treatment at the emergency room at UCLA Medical Center, where he was released after undergoing a series of tests, including a CT scan.  He received stitches to the back of his head and to his elbow.

Artest did not accompany the team to Sacramento this morning and is not expected to play in tonight’s game against the Kings.  Artest will be examined today in Los Angeles by a neurologist and after that examination, an update will be given with an estimate as to when Artest will be able to rejoin the team.

1-on-1 With Ron Artest

I had the chance to spend some time with Ron Artest today. I have met him and interviewed him a few times in the past, but I learned quite a bit more about him today than in previous meetings. From the question and answer session he held with the assembled media at the Lakers practice facility to my 1-on-1 interview with him, I really learned just how funny and insightful he can be.

From the time he agreed to join the Lakers for the mid-level exception (worth about $33 million), I thought it was a great move for the defending champs. I am even more convinced of it now.

Check out my interview and tell me what you think about LA's newest Laker. Enjoy!

http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=8f6e7657-b7a4-4db5-8300-369dee42d7c1

Breaking News: Kings To Trade Artest To Rockets

So much for the Lakers landing Ron Artest for next season. He's reportedly heading to Houston in exchange for former King Bobby Jackson and a number one draft pick.

I was kind of on the fence about what acquiring Artest would do for the Lakers. He would definitely make them tougher both physically and mentally. However, I also wondered how he would mesh with Phil Jackson, but it doesn't really matter now either way.

The question still remains though: is the return of Andrew Bynum simply enough to push the Lakers towards another championship run?

HOUSTON (TICKER) —The Houston Rockets are close to acquiring mercurial forward Ron Artest in a trade with the Sacramento Kings, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday.

Citing an NBA executive with knowledge of the deal, the newspaper reported that the teams reached an agreement that would send Artest to the Rockets for guard Bobby Jackson, a first-round pick next season and “another player that the individual with knowledge of the trade could not name.”

The Chronicle also said that because of contract considerations, the trade would not be announced until August 14, causing the newspaper to speculate that the deal could include Houston’s No. 1 pick, Donte Greene, who cannot be traded until then - one month after he inked a deal with the Rockets.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AgOcSPPVuRQt3fEf5DSpGRM5nYcB?slug=txartesttrade&prov=st&type=lgns