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Pacers forward Ron Artest spoke with RTV6 after meeting with team officials.

Artest Goes To Radio To Explain Himself, Slams Magic Johnson

POSTED: 3:55 pm EST December 16, 2005
UPDATED: 6:10 pm EST December 16, 2005

Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest took to the radio airwaves in an effort to defend his reasons for wanting to leave the team.

Speaking to WIBC radio Friday, Artest expressed hints of regret about how the trade talk started.

Artest spoke with WIBC's Vince Welch and admitted he might have handled the situation poorly, RTV6's Wil Hampton reported.


Previous Images: Pacers React To Artest's Trade Demand

"I kind of messed up. I kind of did it the wrong way," Artest said

Artest told the radio audience that he should have talked with coach Rick Carlisle before going public.

"I should have done that. It's important to have a relationship with the coach. Ever since coach got here, I never had a close relationship with him," Artest said.

Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh has tired of Artest's antics.

"I haven't heard any of the interviews, so I don't know what was said," Walsh said. "When I spoke with Ronnie, I said, 'Look, you've asked for a trade. I'm going to go forward with that.' It'd be in our interest if we both didn't say a whole lot about this."

Artest doubted there is any chance he could ever get back in good graces with the Pacers.

"I think I've dug myself in a hole and there's no grip. I can't get back up," Artest said.

Artest said some of the criticism he has received has been unfair. Former NBA great Magic Johnson said Artest doesn't deserve a second chance in the NBA.

"It's like saying, 'Magic, should your wife give you another chance?'" Artest said "He's saying Ron Artest should have no more second chances. What's worse -- me saying I want to be traded or you cheating on your wife?"


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