Sacramento King Ron Artest is apologizing again. This time he is sorry for badmouthing the Kings brass after they denied him a much-hoped-for contract extension last week. Personally, I don’t think an apology is necessary, nor do I understand why any joe (or jill!), would waste their time defending Ron, or ripping the Maloof Bros over this blip in the saga that is Ron Artest’s NBA career.

Little background for those who use the sports page to potty train their puppy: Last week number “93″  (that would be Ron Artest), let the dawgs out on his employer, announcing publicly he felt the Kings brass (that would be Geoff Petrie and the high-rolling Maloof Bros), had bamboozled him into thinking a contract extension was on the table, when in fact one was not, and had he known the Kings tru (pun intended) intentions, he would have opted out of his last contract year and secured a–lucrative–deal elsewhere.

Ron’s comments found themselves a home in the hearts of Kings faithful, and as a result last week’s radio talk shows and message boards were abuzz with rants over what people felt were less-than-honest business dealings on the part of the Kings org. Comments ranged from “The Maloofs are greed mongers who should move to Vegas where they can live out their lust-loving fantasy of sin in peace,” to “Ron Ron was dissed plain and simple.”

I’m thinking the fans’ rage against the NBA machine didn’t go over well with the image-conscious Kings organization, nor did it relieve any pressure on the swelling perception that the Maloof family portrait is painted with only hues of the color money green. [Captain Obvious chortles, "Derrrr"].

Not surprisingly, today Ron is rapping a different tune, and it goes a little something like:

“I do apologize for being mistakenly frustrated with the Kings..I was informed that the Kings had me in their long-term plans, so that’s why I decided to stay in contract. I just wanted to show loyalty…However, when I spoke to the Kings, that was not an option and I grew frustrated with my decision immediately.”

“Mistakenly frustrated” huh? Mmmmmm hm. Doesn’t sound like an “apology” to me;  sounds more like another zinger, albeit one with a little less mustard on it than the previous week’s dish. I take today’s statement to mean: “I apologize for being mad at the Kings organization, but they lied to me, and I regret not opting out of my contract now.” (see the rap version at the bottom of this page).

So who’s right and who’s wrong? Honestly?  WHO CARES? Both the playboy Maloof matriarchy and Ron “Tru Warier” Artest are richer than most of us can even fathom. Some Kings fans act like the Kings refusal to offer Ron an extension puts him out on the streets with no shirt and no shoes, begging for soggy sandwiches at loaves and fishes. And trash talking the Maloofs for being greedy? Puhleeeze.

Let me be clear: I love Ron Artest; in fact I am a sucker for all the passionate, misunderstood, smack-talking eccentric personalities out there. How dull would sports be without the likes of John McEnroe? Randy Moss? Dennis Rodman? Chris Webber? Rasheed Wallace?  Ron Artest? But for the life of me, I don’t know why Ron or fans are even wasting their time talking about the Kings brass. How much are the Maloof Bros. getting for parking now? $30? Isn’t their M.O. obvious by now?

I think Artest made a magnitude 7.1 mistake when he assumed the Bros. would be as “loyal” to him as he was being to them by not opting out. The Maloofs have proven time and again they have one order of business and one order of business ONLY: to make more business.

Play ball!

PS: You know I ♥ you, Ron And yes, I’m glad the Maloofs keep the Kings in Sac, even though I can’t afford to see a game at the Arena–which is in my own neighborhood! LOL