They're Playing Basketball (and making TV shows)

Ron Artest to get own reality series
By Etan Vlessing/The Hollywood Reporter

TORONTO -- Controversial Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest is back in the headlines, only this time to star in his own reality series.

The bad boy NBA player is to develop and produce the "They Call Me Crazy" show with E1 Entertainment and Tijuana Entertainment.

The series will document the ups and downs of Artest's life, allowing him to "make amends for past transgressions," according to E1 Entertainment, and help develop aspiring musicians through his hip-hop label, Tru Warier, to be supported by E1 Music.

E1 is also looking to leverage its music division with a new studio album and reality show for hip-hop artist Faith Evans and a half-hour children's television series with KISS co-founders and frontmen Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to invite people into my world to see the real me, and show them there are many more sides to the Ron Artest they see on the basketball court," Artest said in a statement.

Artest in 2004 gained notoriety when he attacked a fan in the stands during a Pacers–Pistons player brawl and has also stirred headlines for his off-court behavior.

"This show will allow me to share my experiences with others, and hopefully people can learn from the mistakes I've made," he added.

I knew it was just a matter of time before Ron Artest's antics earned him a reality TV show. That's what we do in America. We take egocentric crazy people and give them television shows. I'm just wondering what the content of the show will be. As far as I can tell this season all that Ron does is paint his hair and post incomprehendanble blogs. Sometimes he plays a little defense too. So with Lamar Odom as a guest Kardashian this makes two Lakers with reality shows. My pick for a third - Rosetta Stone Lessons starring Sasha Vujacic or a 'Father Knows Best' type show where Luke and Bill Walton open a medicinal marijuana clinic.