Ron Artest's change of name delayed

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LOS ANGELES -- Ron Artest's bid to become Metta World Peace has been delayed.

A Los Angeles court commissioner delayed ruling on a name-change petition by the Lakers forward until Sept. 16.

Superior Court spokeswoman Elizabeth Martinez says the court cited Artest's outstanding traffic warrants as the reason for the delay. Additional information was not immediately available.

Artest did not go to court Friday and his attorney, Jill Rubin, declined to comment after hearing of the judge's decision.

The 31-year-old Artest had been counting on the name change to go through, announcing on Twitter Thursday night that he was planning a celebratory barbecue.

Artest requested the name change in June, stating in court filings only that it was for personal reasons.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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