EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Ron Artest says he spoke out about drinking during games with the Chicago Bulls because he hopes to help youths with similar problems.

After practice Thursday at the Lakers’ training complex, Artest discussed the provocative admissions he made to the Sporting News. Artest acknowledged drinking cognac during halftimes in Chicago, where he spent his first 2› NBA seasons.
Artest says his drinking was a result of getting too much responsibility and adversity too soon in his life after leaving St. John’s. He plans to begin a youth program in Los Angeles in which he’ll teach others about the dangers of young adulthood and its temptations.
He also says he has grown up considerably after his stints with Chicago and Indiana.