Anybody catch those Allen Iverson highlights from Istanbul last night? Me either. It's hard to believe that a basketball legend and a national icon has been reduced to peddling his services in Turkey without so much as a second thought. I blogged in April how "The Answer" is in our hearts and how the memories of his spectacular play will always remain in our minds. 8 months later it appears I was wrong.
Allen Iverson has become an afterthought, a footnote in the history of the NBA. It could be argued that this travesty is a scenario of his own creation. He refused to come off the bench in Memphis and left the Philadelphia 76ers high and dry to deal with personal issues. Some might even argue that he is the product of his environment and just another example of a spoiled multi millionaire throwing a tantrum when he doesn't get his way.
I for one believe Allen Iverson deserves a better ending than a glorified Harlem Globetrotter half way across the world. Sure he's got a bad attitude, a selfish demeanor, and a sense of entitlement, but so what? This guy is a former NBA MVP, a 10 time all star, and was once the face of the league. It is unfortunate that the urban inner city demographic that once professed their undying loyalty to him has turned their back on Allen Iverson. Money is money however (those EUROS can be exchanged for American currency) and basketball is basketball. I guess there is some consolation in the fact that if he didn't have an opportunity to go out on his own terms at least he gets to go out playing the game he loves. Can someone tell me where to get that converter box so I can watch Besiktas Cola Turka games?
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