Ron Artest admits to drinking Cognac during NBA games

[Auggie]

ESPN.com news services, 12-2-09

Ron Artest, the often-controversial Los Angeles Lakers forward, told a magazine interviewer he used to drink alcohol at halftime of NBA games.

"I used to drink Hennessy ... at halftime," Artest said in an interview with the Sporting News, which is publishing the story in its Dec. 7 issue. "I in my locker. I'd just walk to the liquor store and get it."

Artest said he drank when he played for the Chicago Bulls, where he played for his first three seasons (1999-2002). He has since played for Indiana, Sacramento, Houston and the Lakers.

NBA spokesman Tim Frank said Wednesday: "We have no comment and we hope Ron has a successful season."

MORE: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4706474

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Doesn't mention how much he drank.

I don't know -- what harm could a sip or two do?

[jakefrep]

1. Wasn't it Abraham Lincoln....

...that, when confronted with news of a prominent general's drinking habits, said, "Find out what kind of whiskey he drinks, and send a barrel to all of my generals."?

I wonder how many Gatorade coolers will be replaced with vats of Cognac.

I have to admit, I've never thought of cognac as a light, refeshing drink suitable for fluid replacement.

[1gobluedem]

2. I wonder how much he'd had when he started the fight at the Pistons game?

Hmmm....

[LisaM]

3. That's why he was throwing ice at the Detroit fans!

He thought they were bartenders and he wanted another drink!

[1gobluedem]

4. Martini and Rossi on ice -- so nice

I knew there was a reason.

[jakefrep]

5. Probably not as much as the fan that threw the cup at him.

[brendan120678]

6. Yay...another product of my Alma Mater...

Stay classy, Ron!

[joeybee12]

7. Maybe a sip doesn't hurt, but come on, if he had to have it in his

locker and NEEDED to drink at half-time, even a little, he's got a problem. If you can't go without for sucha short period of time it's troubling.

[hughee99]

8. They couldn't get the guy who dunks off the trampoline,

so for tonight's halftime show, Ron Artest will be firing down a couple of Hen-dogs and doing stick races with the cheerleaders.