Allen Iverson Battling Personal Issues
March 8th, 2010- By Chester O’Leary
Multiple outlets are reporting that Philadelphia 76er Allen Iverson is dealing with significant problems relating to alcohol and gambling. So much so that Stephen A. Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that his career and life outside basketball may be in jeopardy.
Iverson announced several weeks ago that he was taking a leave of absence from the NBA to be with his ill daughter. ESPN.com reports that league sources are worried that the former NBA MVP “will either drink himself into oblivion or gamble his life away.”
This is not the first time that speculation and information relating to Iverson’s gambling and alcohol issues have come to the forefront of headlines. He has been banned from several Casinos in Detroit and Atlantic City according to Smith.
What also is a cause for concern is the fact that Iverson’s wife, Tawana, recently filed for a divorce from the All-Star last week. It came on the same day as the 76er’s made the public statement saying that Iverson would not participate the rest of the NBA season.
The two had been married for 8 1/2 years, but in the filing made in Atlanta, Tawana Iverson stated that the marriage between the two is “irretrievably broken.” In addition to the divorce, she also seeks complete custody of the five children the couple has together.
Iverson participated in 25 games for the 76ers this season, and was voted tot he All-Star game.
In his column, Smith stated that Iverson required a person with “the ideal combination of compassion and toughness.”
John Claney used to coach the Temple University basketball program and he believes that John Thompson is mentor that Iverson needs in his life right now. Thompson coached Iverson when he was enrolled at Georgetown University.
“[Thompson] is the one guy who’ll have a chance of slowing this train wreck down, who could wrap his arms around Iverson and have an impact, because clearly it has not been done,” Chaney remarked to Smith. “But there’s still this one question: Will [Iverson] listen?”
Iverson began the 2009-10 NBA Season as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. However, the veteran point guard only appeared in three games for the Grizzlies, spanning from a dispute with the organization regarding Iverson’s role on the team. He felt he warranted more playing time. Thus, Iverson announced his retirement from the game, which lasted until a contract with Philadelphia.
Iverson is reported to be in Atlanta with his daughter, whose illness is still unknown.
NBA Sportsbooks are not favoring Philadelphia to compete for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. Currently, Cleveland sports 2/3 odds, and are the betting favorite to make an appearance in the 2010 NBA finals.
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