National Basketball Association

Artest's change won't affect comedy tour

Published Jun. 25, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

News of Lakers star 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, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Greg Charles, the director of publicity for Carolines on Broadway, New York's best-known comedy club, learned Friday that Artest had filed a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court to adopt a new identity.

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 soon-to-be old name.

There is even a sign outside the club touting, "Ron Artest: The Ultimate Comedy Tour."

Understandably, Charles found the news of Artest's legal proceedings somewhat disconcerting as it suggested a renaming of the show.

Although "Metta World Peace: The Ultimate Comedy Tour" does have a certain ring to it, he imagined new posters would need to be printed and other promotions revised.

But after a call to Artest's manager, Charles' concerns were allayed. The court was not scheduled to consider Artest's petition until Aug. 26.

"So we've decided to keep things the same," Charles said. "If the name change does go into effect, it won't be until well after Metta World Peace swings through town."