Allen Iverson became a virtual caricature of himself yesterday, when he chose to skip out on an hour long workout that Pistons' coach Michael Curry had scheduled. The man who turned the word "practice" into a punchline returned today, and while he didn't provide an explanation for his absence, he did deliver an apology. "I don't have no excuses," Iverson said. "I apologized to my teammates, first and foremost, coaching staff, the organization and definitely our fans. It's something that shouldn't have happened. And it won't happen again."Iverson will be fined and held out of the starting lineup for the team's next game, and all the hard feelings will supposedly end there. But honestly, how can they? As Matt Watson pointed out yesterday, AI is the reason the team needs the extra practice time, so the fact that he left his teammates holding the bag yesterday had to be more than a little irritating, especially to a veteran squad that likely knows their system inside and out.
I'm guessing that Iverson had at least a little more of an explanation for the people in the organization than the public one we're getting here. Still, it's hard to believe that he simply didn't blow off the Thanksgiving Day practice simply to stay home with the family, given his history of not thinking all that much of "practice" in the first place.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-29-2008 @ 2:19PM
elijah said...
well i don't really know why he mist practice but i say nobody is good to miss practice when they want to, everyday somebody gets better and to say whatever with practice thats crazy i mean you get payed for this. Alot of people would love to have his gift. I dont care if the team is sorry or good im going to do my best. but we are talking about the pistons they are thick with great players why make them mad. Its his life and everything but come on from the 76ers nuggets pistons he must want out. Anyway last thing remember perfect practice make perfect
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11-28-2008 @ 9:49PM
HATER N DA HOUSE said...
HOORAY FOR A.I.! He decided that family was more important than practice. I don't blame him! Where in the hell is America heading when they ask a man to stay away from his family on Thanksgiving Day. He's not a Public Servant, Basketball is a game and it was PRACTICE. More players should stay home with their families when it's required they PRACTICE for an hour. I'm LMAO at the Detroit Organization. Forgive me Joe, Freak u buddy --- my family means more to me!
www.lakerhatersportzcard.com (We're getting there)
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11-28-2008 @ 10:47PM
the bern said...
Right on "hater in da house"! What's one hour going to do for these "pros"? They are better served being with their families!
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11-29-2008 @ 12:56AM
G Dog said...
4 shizzle!
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11-29-2008 @ 4:02AM
BigMike said...
How about a backcourt of Iverson and Marbury? Why any GM or coach who really wanted to win would have either of them on his team is beyond me. AI did play for Larry Brown, but not since, and they beefed continually. I love to watch AI play and from a fan's perspective he's great...always entertaining, trying hard all the time, but he is not too coachable and puts himself above the team. Marbury is just the probverbial rotten apple...always has been. He'd clearly rather be the star than win. He needs to be out of basketball soon.
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11-29-2008 @ 1:50PM
Mike said...
If Detroit is so poor a team that they need T'giving Day to practice, then the coach should be canned and the management shuffled. This was a ridiculous issue. There's a reason it's called "Thanksgiving." It was as disgusting to find Walmart open. No wonder our Country is slipping into decline. It's lost any sense of values
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12-02-2008 @ 1:32PM
sparkles said...
when your are considered professional player, than you must present yourself as a professional. The salary the elite player bank in is insane. If the coach calls practice on a holiday, than each player should be present. Doctors and lawyers don't bank the income professional athletes make. Throwing a tantrum when he does not get his way is typical for A.I. I have mad respect for A.I. as a player but he needs to check his attitude.
11-30-2008 @ 12:55PM
armintha said...
Elijah, man you act like you never missed a day of work. Please stop hateing, You don't know all of the story, All you know is what the media is saying. Don't be such a jerk. These guys are humans to. And they have a right make mistakes. I guess you are perfect.
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