Metta World Peace certainly didn't live up to his name this past weekend.
The NBA?player formerly known as Ron Artest, and who has a long history of violence on the court, was ejected from a game when he viciously elbowed another player in the side of the head. MWP tried to classify his actions as accidental and inadvertent in interviews and Tweets later, but he's not fooling anyone.
It's impossible to watch the video and not reach the conclusion that MWP knew exactly what he was doing when he swung his elbow at James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was clearly intentional, and the NBA must react swiftly and meaningfully.
MWP has a long history of suspensions, ejections and fines, including his role in an embarrassing brawl when he went into the stands to fight with fans when he played for the Indiana Pacers years ago. His dangerous behavior Sunday shows that no matter what he calls himself these days, MWP hasn't learned anything from his dozen or so previous suspensions. He doesn't get it. He's dangerous on the court because you don't know when Metta World Peace will transform back into Ron Artest.
The league should ban MWP for life. Such a penalty would send a clear message to other players that, at some point, violent behavior in the midst of a basketball game will no longer be tolerated. It's been part of MWP's career for far too long. NBA?Commissioner David Stern should put an end to the ugly circus that is Metta World Peace.