The Lovable Lunacy of Ron Artest, and Brees for MVP

Ron Artest is one crazy dude. In a recent interview with Sporting News magazine, the Los Angeles Lakers forward admitted that he used to get drunk at halftime when he was an up-and-coming player with the Chicago Bulls. Artest's beverage of choice? Hennessy, a form of cognac. Artest revealed this information with glee, showing no remorse whatsoever. Also in that same interview, Artest had harsh words for veteran NBA referee Joey Crawford, and said he is "always in the mood" to fight Ben Wallace, whom he clashed with in the infamous 2005 brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills. For the Ron Artest haters, of which there are many, the Sporting News interview will simply add more fuel for their disdain toward Artest. I, however, remain a huge fan of Artest, consistently shocked and dazzled by his lovably insane behavior.

Now before people denounce me as irresponsible, let me say that I don't condone drinking at halftime. Nor do I support Artest's wild antics on that memorable night in Detroit, when he charged into the stands ready to pick a fight. However, Artest is one of the most refreshingly honest athletes in all of sports. In an era where most high-profile professional athletes are so concerned with their image, Artest's candor is a thing of beauty. As for his overall wackiness, I love every moment of it. I loved it when he played with reckless abandon as a member of the Houston Rockets in the playoffs against his current team, the Lakers, while wearing that outrageous haircut with the Rockets logo carved into his head. I loved it when he said that the greatest player he's ever seen is not Jordan, Bird, Johnson, or Russell, but some guy whom he used to play with in the hood. And I loved it when Artest recently showed up on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" wearing nothing but his boxers. This stuff is priceless. Sure, he may have lost his cool during the Palace brawl, but Artest means no harm with his wild antics. He is simply having fun.

Speaking on strictly basketball terms, Ron Artest is also worth admiring. He is one of the fiercest competitors the league has ever seen, a spectacular defender and a legitimate offensive threat. As a Warriors fan and Laker hater, I hate the fact that one of my favorite players is suiting up for my least favorite team because I know the quality of player that he is. As a member of the Bulls, Pacers, Kings, Rockets, and Lakers, Artest has played hard on every possession, a perfect example of how the game of basketball should be played.

So is Artest crazy? Oh absolutely yes, and I hope he always stays true to his wonderful craziness.

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There is a heated race for MVP in the National Football League between three star quarterbacks: The Saints' Drew Brees, the Colts' Peyton Manning, and the Vikings' Brett Favre. All three candidates are deserving of MVP consideration. Brees and Manning have guided their respective teams to an undefeated season, and while loyal readers know my feelings for Brett Favre the person, there is no denying the success this season of Brett Favre the quarterback. But if I had a vote, I would cast my MVP ballot for Drew Brees.

With Monday night's thorough beating of the New England Patriots, Brees destroyed the notion that the Saints are overrated. At 11-0, New Orleans has the best offense of any team I have ever seen, thanks to the masterful leadership and performance of Brees. Brees often gets lost in the shadow of Manning, Brady, and Roethlisberger, but he is playing at the highest level of any quarterback right now. On any given Sunday, the Saints are a threat to score well over 40 points, and Brees is always capable of throwing for 370 yards. With all due respect to the other aforementioned candidates, it would be a mistake if Drew Brees isn't honored with the MVP award.