Artest NFL-bound After Basketball?

In an interview CBSSports.com, Lakers forward Ron Artest says he intends to try out for the NFL when his Lakers’ contract is up after the 2013-14 season. In the past, Artest has talked about becoming a heavyweight boxer after basketball but now he’s talking about football.

“God willing, after my NBA career, God willing I’m still athletic enough – which I’m trying to take care of my body as best as possible and be prepared for this day, for this tryout of an NFL team,” Artest said. “… It’s a fantasy of mine. It’s an opportunity because I’m athletic. So if that fantasy can be fulfilled, and if it’s something that can really be reached as far as a goal, I’m going for it.”

The interview delves into a variety of Artest’s issues, including his motivation behind auctioning off his championship ring to raise money and awareness in a personal crusade against mental illness, his battle with alcohol, the brawl in the Palace back in 2004 and much more.

Artest said he’s raised more than $500,000 selling raffle tickets at two bucks each. The winner of the ring will be selected on Christmas Day, before the Lakers-Heat game with the proceeds going to mental health charities.

You can check out the interview at cbssports.com.