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Allen Iverson has retired
majorflux
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http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=As727pkjq_SmUwKCgvfTlNi8vLYF?slug=mc-iversonretire112509&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
By Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports
1 hour, 56 minutes ago
Without a clear-cut suitor emerging to sign him, All-Star guard Allen Iverson(notes) announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Iverson, who has played 14 seasons in the NBA, thought he was close to signing with the New York Knicks last week only to be told team officials had a change of heart.
“I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association,” Iverson said in a statement released to Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Stephen A. Smith, who first announced Iverson’s decision on his personal web site. “I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.
“I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.”
The question: Will Iverson stay retired?
League sources insist Iverson will still listen if a team is interested in signing him. For now, however, no offer appears imminent.
Iverson signed a one-year, $3 million contract to play for the Memphis Grizzlies this season, but played just three games and complained about his role off the bench. The Grizzlies granted him a leave of absence to attend to some personal matters, but the two sides eventually reached agreement to part ways and Iverson was waived.
“Wonderful career. Right thing to do for his family,” Iverson’s manager, Gary Moore told Yahoo! Sports. “It’s no secret that Allen has been unfairly treated through all this. The fact is his family needs him more.”
Iverson thanked his fans, family and friends and former coaches and teammates in his statement.
“To Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley and Larry Bird, you guys gave me the vision to play the game that will be forever in my heart,” Iverson said. “To my Mom, who encouraged and inspired me to play every day, and to all of my family and friends who stood by me from the beginning. Thank you!”
The Philadelphia 76ers made Iverson the NBA’s No. 1 draft pick in 1996, and he enjoyed his greatest success with the team. He was named the NBA’s MVP in 2001 and also took the Sixers to the NBA Finals that season.
“The years in Philly were unforgettable,” Moore said. “He will never forget the crowd. …He’ll retire always being known as a Sixer.”
The Sixers traded Iverson to the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 19, 2006. He played two seasons with them before they sent him to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups. Iverson became upset when the Pistons made him come off the bench and later complained he couldn’t trust first-year coach Michael Curry. The team sent him home before the playoffs, saying he had an injured back.
Iverson is a 10-time All-Star and has won four scoring titles. He ranks 17th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Former Boston Celtics point guard Bob Cousy said Iverson’s problems from the past two seasons will detract from his legacy in the minds of some people, but he doesn’t doubt his Hall of Fame credentials.
“It’s in the eye of the beholder,” Cousy said. “You always remember what last happened. But he’ll be in the Top 10 [scorers].
“He was an outstanding guard. I don’t know where he fits in whether he is a point guard or a [shooting] guard. But he was talented as a [scorer].”
During an interview with Yahoo! Sports early this month, Iverson said he could see himself walking away from the NBA.
“I’m not playing basketball no more to make money or anything like that or fame,” he said. “I’ve been there and did that. I just want to be happy doing what I love to do.
“If I felt I had to sell myself or sell out to be somebody that I’m not, then I wouldn’t do it anymore. I’d be playing at the YMCA.”
By Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports
1 hour, 56 minutes ago
Without a clear-cut suitor emerging to sign him, All-Star guard Allen Iverson(notes) announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Iverson, who has played 14 seasons in the NBA, thought he was close to signing with the New York Knicks last week only to be told team officials had a change of heart.
“I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association,” Iverson said in a statement released to Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Stephen A. Smith, who first announced Iverson’s decision on his personal web site. “I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.
“I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.”
The question: Will Iverson stay retired?
League sources insist Iverson will still listen if a team is interested in signing him. For now, however, no offer appears imminent.
Iverson signed a one-year, $3 million contract to play for the Memphis Grizzlies this season, but played just three games and complained about his role off the bench. The Grizzlies granted him a leave of absence to attend to some personal matters, but the two sides eventually reached agreement to part ways and Iverson was waived.
“Wonderful career. Right thing to do for his family,” Iverson’s manager, Gary Moore told Yahoo! Sports. “It’s no secret that Allen has been unfairly treated through all this. The fact is his family needs him more.”
Iverson thanked his fans, family and friends and former coaches and teammates in his statement.
“To Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley and Larry Bird, you guys gave me the vision to play the game that will be forever in my heart,” Iverson said. “To my Mom, who encouraged and inspired me to play every day, and to all of my family and friends who stood by me from the beginning. Thank you!”
The Philadelphia 76ers made Iverson the NBA’s No. 1 draft pick in 1996, and he enjoyed his greatest success with the team. He was named the NBA’s MVP in 2001 and also took the Sixers to the NBA Finals that season.
“The years in Philly were unforgettable,” Moore said. “He will never forget the crowd. …He’ll retire always being known as a Sixer.”
The Sixers traded Iverson to the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 19, 2006. He played two seasons with them before they sent him to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups. Iverson became upset when the Pistons made him come off the bench and later complained he couldn’t trust first-year coach Michael Curry. The team sent him home before the playoffs, saying he had an injured back.
Iverson is a 10-time All-Star and has won four scoring titles. He ranks 17th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Former Boston Celtics point guard Bob Cousy said Iverson’s problems from the past two seasons will detract from his legacy in the minds of some people, but he doesn’t doubt his Hall of Fame credentials.
“It’s in the eye of the beholder,” Cousy said. “You always remember what last happened. But he’ll be in the Top 10 [scorers].
“He was an outstanding guard. I don’t know where he fits in whether he is a point guard or a [shooting] guard. But he was talented as a [scorer].”
During an interview with Yahoo! Sports early this month, Iverson said he could see himself walking away from the NBA.
“I’m not playing basketball no more to make money or anything like that or fame,” he said. “I’ve been there and did that. I just want to be happy doing what I love to do.
“If I felt I had to sell myself or sell out to be somebody that I’m not, then I wouldn’t do it anymore. I’d be playing at the YMCA.”
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1994 Pro Line Live
TheDallasCowboyBackfieldProject
he was entertaining
collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.
looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started
Never liked basketball until I saw him play.
Yes he didn't like to practice, yes he tipped poorly, yes he went after his cousin in poom-poom pants, and yes his uncle repeatedly crashed his cars, but one thing that was guaranteed was when the whistle blew he was going to put on a show for the crowd.
I was fortunate enough to be present in the building for his 55 point playoff performance:
Highlights from the 55 point game
Having attended multiple playoff games in Hockey, Football and Baseball including World Series Games, this was the most electric crowd I have ever experienced. By the end of the game everyone was on their feet going nuts, high fiving and clapping as it seemed like he just couldn't miss. A total adrenaline rush.
<< <i>Cue the footage of the crossover on Michael Jordan. Brilliant. >>
crossover
"Molon Labe"
...but there are many things i don't like about the nba today...as i watch the games as a fan i can't help but wonder to myself if the players on the floor are genuinely playing for the fun and competitiveness of the game or more for attention and competing against themselves for a better contract. basketball is the only sport where i care more for the college teams than the professional ones...maybe i was spoiled from the great teams and hall of famers who emerged in the mid-eighties...i wasn't surprised when our country began losing on the world court...just really disappointed.
good-bye iverson, i hope many more follow so the nba can one day have the integrity it once did....maybe i'm dreaming.
patrick
A. Within one year he will be arrested for spousal abuse
B. Within one year he will be arrested for drugs
C. WIthin one year he will whoot himself in leg with an unregistered firearm
D. All of the above
<< <i>That is one guy I would really love to see get a ring. He was my favorite player since day 1 of his career. The year they made it to the Finals they faced the unbeatable Laker team who had swept every opponent and they beat them in game one.....they then gave up 4 straight games. Man I wish they would have won it all that year. >>
Not a chance Iverson. We talkin' bout practice ! chaz