'Bad boy' slam dunks backlash against Tiger

MILWAUKEE: Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest says an open letter to Tiger Woods was meant to encourage the golf superstar because Artest believes media coverage of Woods' mistakes has been unfair.

"I just really disagree, I guess you call it backlash," Artest said on Wednesday. "Hopefully, he gets everything in order and gets back on track. Then after that I can't wait to see him play golf again."

Artest said he was motivated to write the letter on his website after talking with friends because of the negative coverage Woods has received since acknowledging marital infidelity following his Nov 27 car accident near his Orlando-area home.