Earlier tonight Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest was named as one of the contestants on the newest season of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars.
According to Mark Medina of the L.A. Times, Ron Artest will be donating the money he receives from participating on Dancing With the Stars to charity.
Those familiar with Artest’s recent philanthropic endeavors may not find this to be much of a surprise. Last season Artest auctioned off his 2010 NBA championship ring and donated the money to a mental health charity.
In honor of his daughter, who successfully fought a wilms tumor, Artest said he plans to donate the money he earns on “Dancing with the Stars” to the Cancer Research Foundation.
There has been plenty of discussion surround Artest and his questionable dancing skills, so tonight Artest said that he’s only participating for a cause.
But don’t count Artest out. He claims he’s ready to go and will be looking to win when the competition begins.
“I’m doing the Cha-cha-cha my first week,” said Artest. “We’re going to get past [the first round]. I want to work hard and see where it takes me. I don’t know how far I’m going to go, but I’m going to try.”