After walking away from the Grizzlies and being rejected by the Knicks, Allen Iverson had nowhere to turn -- so, for the time being, he's decided to walk away from the game, announcing his plans to retire in a statement attributed to him on Stephen A. Smith's personal blog.The statement expressed gratitude to his sponsors, fans and family for their support and inspiration -- as well as resentment for the lack of interest NBA teams have shown toward signing him as a starter.
"I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association. 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."
Jay Mariotti: Unless A.I. Adjusts Ego, He Should Retire
Despite Iverson's choice of words (and confirmation from his business manager), it's worth pointing out that he hasn't actually "retired" so much as confirmed that he's not signing a contract in the foreseeable future -- which, to be honest, we already knew.
As Comcast SportsNet confirms, Iverson has not filed formal retirement papers with the league, meaning he's free to change his mind at any point. If/when he does file papers, he'll be ineligible to sign another contract for an entire calendar year -- but considering how highly Iverson regards himself as a player (and how clearly he resents not leaving the game on his terms), there's little to no chance he'd officially close that door.
In other words, should the right opportunity present itself in a few weeks, it's hard to believe Iverson would pass. Comcast SportsNet also reports that Iverson will soon meet with John Thompson, his former college coach and mentor, to discuss his future, adding that Thompson is on the record being opposed to Iverson ending his career just yet. If Thompson can talk Iverson into viewing himself as a spark plug off the bench instead of a clear-cut starter -- and if NBA teams actually believe he'd accept a role without complaint -- we may yet see Iverson on the floor this year, despite what he'll have us believe at the moment.
Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Maybe this is just a "Practice" Retirement, Yes I said Practice.
Selfish player of the year award!!! Retire!!
they just said on ESPN and u guys who say selfish he avg more assist then Michael jordan. Allen Iverson 6.2 Michael Jordan 5.3. And we have to say Allen iverson was on much worse teams then Michael Jordan
Iverson plays the point. I would hope that he'd have more assists than MJ.
Yeah, Jordan retired with 6 titles though.
This is not a retirement. It is a nobody-wants-him issue. But don't count him out for if a star player goes down in a good team, he will get the call. It's a matter of time. Then it will be a matter of time before they realize it was a big mistake. By the end of the season nobody will remember the good years, only this lousy attitude of his.
All Iverson has to do,is publicly say that he wants a ring and would be willing to accept a role coming off the bench for a contender to get it.The problem is,he has done just the opposite by signing with the Grizz and soliciting the Knicks.The guy can still play at a very high level and could be a great addition IF he would play his cards right.I would dearly love to see him in a Cavs uni IF he would be willing to come off the bench.He could even spot start on back to backs to give Mo some rest.With Delonte West in limbo these days,Cleveland definitely has a big need for a guy like him IF he would only embrace a role where he's not the franchise player anymore.He would make a huge impact on that team.
yes
If you read his statement, you will notice he uses 'I' eight times-that is why no one wants you alan-it's all about I!
Why is everyone hating on AI? He's always said that he would retire the day that he could no longer be a starter. For once, someone knows when it's time to leave the game and people give him crap for it. If he doesn't want to take a backup role, that's his decision to make.
Would you want to take a demotion at your job, when you know that you are still better than a lot of other people that work there? Of course not.
A.I. has contributed to the success of the NBA over his career greatly. We don't need to compare him to no one. He brung through out his career umatched by any one his size.
Perhaps if he knew how to behave someone would still want to associate with him
this is pretty great. he's not retiring because HE thinks he's no longer a contributor. he's retiring because EVERYONE ELSE IN THE LEAGUE thinks he's no longer a contributor. i wouldn't presume to say which one is correct.
see ya ai, just sit a while and i'm sure a contender will come calling... no... really...
Just to compare AI to MJ is an indication that you don't know much about the game...or the two players. They both knew how to get to the net one with a little more carisma than the other. They both were "showmen". Just playing in Philly for all those years probably restricted AI. Just look where he finished up in all time scoring!
The NFL has its' "retirement" hero, Farve...and now the NBA has its' "retirement" hero, Iverson. Note the similarity in thier respective announcements...not retirement, but "intent" to retire.
Myself an AI sorta being from Philly (from the start of his career) I think he was a great ball player. His early years he was great. And who cares about his attitude? His stats speak for themselves.
What Iverson has failed to realize is that the NBA put up with his attitude as long as he was young, exciting, popular and filling arena seats. Today he is an aging star with very little fan appeal. And when you add his negative attitude to the mix,he is seen as a "grumpy old man."
I still don;t think the griz have 5 players better than him.
He can call it a retirement if he likes, but he knows the truth. It isn't a retirement if noone will hire you. That is called unemployed. If a team called him today, he would jump at the chance to play. I love the spend more time with my family line. All these guys who have nothing left and are forced out throw that into their "retirement" speeches.
can we just file this under the game will go on and other than he and his agent who really gives a s##t