Tyler Hansbrough Scared Of Metta World Peace? Raptors Forward Backs Down After Hard Foul From Ron Artest [VIDEO]

Tyler Hansbrough is one of the toughest players in the NBA, but the prospect of tangling with New York Knicks forward Metta World Peace proved to be too much for him to handle.

Hansbrough, who signed with the Toronto Raptors during the offseason, had a scary moment during Monday night’s preseason game against the Knicks. During the action, Hansbrough was battling in the paint when he was fouled hard by a Knicks player.

The scrappy power forward reacted angrily to the foul, spinning around to confront the offender. But when Hansbrough noticed that he was fouled by Metta World Peace -- a player with a noted mean streak -- the 27-year-old had a noticeable change of heart.

Faced by a snarling Metta World Peace, Hansbrough backed down from a potential fight and quickly removed himself from the situation. Larry Brown Sports notes that Hansbrough even appeared to say “Oh, my bad,” when he realized who had bumped into him. Even better, the Raptors forward’s facial expression changed from a look of pure rage to one of panic in seconds.

Despite the near confrontation, Metta World Peace, 33, doesn’t seem to hold any ill will toward Hansbrough. After the game, the man formerly known as Ron Artest took to Twitter to applaud his opponent on his tough play.

“Tyler Hansbrough is a tough kid . Stop be silly people!!! He is going to be a champ one day. Keep being tough Tyler!! [sic],” World Peace tweeted. “I would play on Tyler's team anyday.. you guys are silly!! Stop adding fire to pre season ball. Fighting doesnt make u tough. win'n does!”

“Tyler Hansbrough, dont listen to these fools. Keep being s hard nose ball player!!!” World Peace added.

A video of Hansbrough’s run-in with Metta World Peace can be viewed below, courtesy of Barstool Sports Chicago.