Earlier Monday morning, Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley gave Allen Iverson until the end of the week to decide whether he wanted to return to the team or not. As it happens, Heisley got his answer by the end of the day. From a statement released Monday afternoon by Grizzlies GM and vice president Chris Wallace: "The Grizzlies and Allen Iverson have come to a mutual agreement that because of personal matters that forced him to leave the team on November 7, Allen will step away from the game at this time, allowing him to focus on those matters. As a result, we will be ending our contractual agreement with Allen, which will allow both parties to move forward. We wish Allen the best."
Chris Tomasson: The Iverson Circus Leaves Town
Tom Ziller: Iverson Still Wants to Play; Will the Knicks Sign Him?
Tom Ziller: Iverson Still Wants to Play; Will the Knicks Sign Him?
It's unclear if Iverson will receive any money via a buyout or if he simply agreed to end his contract, but one thing is clear: Heisley's gamble on Iverson as a box office draw backfired considerably, especially when you consider Iverson didn't play a single home game before his abrupt departure.
According to Ronald Tillery of the Commercial Appeal, Iverson will placed on waivers within days, which leaves open the possibility that Iverson might latch on elsewhere in the league before the end of the year -- assuming, of course, there are any takers.
He didn't have many suitors before settling on the Grizzlies' modest one-year, $3.1 million offer this summer, and his botched stay in Memphis, it's quite possible he's sulked his way out of the league. You can't completely rule out a comeback -- are the 1-9 Knicks desperate enough to give A.I. an iron-clad guarantee that he'll start over Chris Duhon? -- but there's a good chance that his career is all but officially over.
Comments (Page 1 of 2)
This is kind of ridiculous. Joe Dumars, the CEO of the Detroit Pistons really screwed up bringing him to the Pistons last year. It's obvious he's the kind of player who can't put his personal "stuff" aside when he is at his job.
That's his problem. Why would teams consider him?
Let him go!
HE SHOULD SIGN WITH THE CAVS THEY COULD USE HIM NOW. GO CAVS.
THE CAVS CAN REALLY USE A.I. WOULD PUT THEM OVER THE HUMP. WITH WEST BEING OUT PROBALLY FOR THE SEASON.
A I is not finished. He still has skills and desire for a ring.
If he's willing to sign in Memphis for $3.1MM, then some contending owner may be able to afford luxury tax and take a flyer on AI. The trouble is, AI's style of play is tough to blend with a TEAM concept of offense.
The Knicks would start him and increase attendance, but its strictly a financial move.
Its tough to say who might fit him into their game plan in hopes he would push them into the playoffs or further.
He should quietly go into that goodnight. What a crybaby and self indulgent petulant asshole. He is given the talent to make millions and he never saw the team first concept. I will not miss him for one second
AI is a big crybaby who wants all the attention but none of the responsibility. Obviously he is very difficult to work with or he wouldnt have been on three different teams in 2 years. Maybe he just needs that attitude adjustment you get when you are a broke has-been, then see if he can put aside his personal issues. He was never really all that great in Philly either.
Sad day when in true NBA hardworker who leaves it all on the floor is just a ticket salesman. I fault the GM and AI agent for screwing him over. The best two places for him was the nicks and bobcats.Now if Ai wants to play ball wait until after turkey day sign with the team that has suffered a injury to there point guard.The serious contenders allow need to apply. Magic, Nicks, Cav's and posible the Heat could use a fourth option score.In order for this to take place AI has to understand what his body can do, his game can support.
The next shot he will take will be a MUG SHOT.
He'll go out the way he came in years ago by explaining why he is not a criminal. Once a thug always a thug.
SORRY, BUT I CAN TELL YOU FROM PERSONAL DEALINGS WITH IVERSON THAT HE'S AS DUMB AS A POST...
HE HAS TREMENDOUS HEART, BUT DOESN'T HAVE THE COMMON SENSE GOD GAVE A GOOSE...
HE HAS ALWAYS SURROUNDED HIMSELF WITH BLOOD SUCKERS AND PEOPLE WHO FEED HIM BAD ADVICE IN HIS FINANCIAL DEALINGS.
THESE SAME PEOPLE ARE THE ONES FEEDING HIM THE LINE THAT HIS SKILLS HAVEN'T DIMINISHED, THAT HE'S STILL A STAR SO THAT THEY CAN HOLD ON TO THEIR MEAL TICKET.
SORRY, BUT WITHIN 5 YEARS OF THE END OF HIS PLAYING DAYS, IVERSON WILL BE BACK TO BEING ANOTHER POOR "STREET KID"....
He can go home and, as the tat sez, Hold His Own.
Just go away. Enough is enough. Just say goodnight Gracie.
AI, I don't care what others say you were a Gentlemen in Denver. We the fans enjoyed your work ethic here.... The Nuggets are doing well but as a Fan I would more than welcome you back. If not good luck and hope all goes well for you.
allen ... you ARE the weakest link ... good-bye !!!
Its hard to move-on after a career has seemingly come to an end.
hes a cry baby he wants to be on a winning team or he wont play get rid of him from the league
Hey i have watch AI through his trouble times and i would like to wish him luck and dnot let nobody ditate what you want do. Just pray to God, for he knows your path and what man thinks dont mean sqart
over the hill bye bye
How much ya wanna bet in 5 yrs, post-career, he winds up like antoine walker, broke and lost. oh but i forgot, he'll always heve that georgetown education to fall back on. right?
Get real people. Iverson is leaving because he cant start and he's throwing a tantrum. He is a ball hog and no good. He will only make a team worse. The punk needs to retire.
AI might be the best one on one player since Jordan. I will not dispute his inability to blend in a team environment, but anyone who doubts his ball handling, penetrating, and shooting skills does not understand basketball. He is a genius on the court, just not a team oriented genious.