Metta World Peace makes honest admission about Michael Jordan's help after Malice At The Palace
The "Malice At The Palace" incident was ugly for everyone involved, and former NBA player Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, opened up about the aftermath of the unpleasant night.
The former Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers star struggled after the highly publicized brawl and recently revealed that NBA legend Michael Jordan was the only player to reach out to him during that difficult period of his life.
In a fascinating sit down with three-time NBA champion Byron Scott on "Byron Scott's Fast Break" on Monday, Metta discussed the "Malice At The Palace" incident in detail and the advice he received from Jordan following the incident.
"The last time I spoke to Michael Jordan was after the brawl. He was the only player who called me. He said, 'Don't worry, I'm gonna try to get you back,'" said Metta. "So when he said I'm going to get back, I was like 'I'm back,'" said Metta World Peace. (37:25)
During a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan on Nov. 19, 2004, things got heated after a tough foul from Metta World Peace on Ben Wallace in the fourth quarter. Wallace reacted by pushing the Pacers forward and things erupted from there. After a fan threw a drink at Metta, he charged into the crowd and a lengthy brawl ensued.
Metta World Peace received a 86 game suspension from the league. He also lost nearly five million dollars in salary.
In 2006, Metta was traded to the Sacramento Kings and he would go on to rebuild his career and his reputation. He went on to play another 12 seasons with three other organizations before retiring in 2017. Metta was also a member of the Los Angeles Lakers team that went on the win the NBA championship in 2010.
Metta World Peace discussed battling Ben Wallace for Defensive Player of the Year honours
Metta World Peace and Ben Wallace were extremely competitive on the court and the two had plenty of battles during the early days of their career.
During his recent interview with Byron Scott, Metta discussed how two two players regularly challenged each other for the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award.
"I loved Ben, I think he was incredible. The only issues we had, we was both battling for Defensive Player of the Year," said Metta. "And he would argue the same thing that he should have got five. I'm arguing I should've got three." (4:50)
Metta won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2004 and Wallace would go on to win it in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006. Metta would also go on to be named to the NBA's All-Defensive first team in 2004 and 2006.