Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 5:58 pm  |  167 responses

Report: Allen Iverson Retires

by Marcel Mutoni / @marcel_mutoni

The details are very scarce at the moment, but according to Yahoo! Sports columnist Marc J. Spears, Allen Iverson’s career has come to an end.

The news broke via Twitter:

AI’s personal mgr Gary Moore tells Y! Sports AI is retiring.

Let that rattle in your brain for a moment.

More on this tomorrow, obviously.

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  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Nov.25 at 6:01 pm
    WHAT?!

  • memphisbound Posted: Nov.25 at 6:02 pm
    i really didn’t think it would happen like this.

  • Michael Posted: Nov.25 at 6:03 pm
    I’ve been legaly a man now for 4 years. But I feel like my childhood just officialy ended.

  • LA Huey Posted: Nov.25 at 6:03 pm
    tragic flaw. what a way to retire.

  • MattZ Posted: Nov.25 at 6:04 pm
    Nooooooooooooooooooooo

  • Papou Posted: Nov.25 at 6:04 pm
    Man, I can`t believe not a single team was interested in starting him. :(

  • Papou Posted: Nov.25 at 6:05 pm
    That royally sucks. And blows.

  • TADOne Posted: Nov.25 at 6:05 pm
    Damn shame. Thanks for the memories, Allen.

  • bece Posted: Nov.25 at 6:06 pm
    DEUCES!

  • Allenp Posted: Nov.25 at 6:08 pm
    I so sad about this. Just not the way I wanted this to end. Man, this is so disappointing to me.

  • doyouwantmore Posted: Nov.25 at 6:09 pm
    Goodbye.

  • Prophecy_projectz Posted: Nov.25 at 6:09 pm
    Confirmed by Stephen A on ESPN. Damn…it should not have ended like this. Its not even like a contender will call him and its not like he can comeback in a year’s time, given the economy and how tight and specfic GMs are with there needs.
    This absolutley sucks

  • Dang I'm Nice!!! Posted: Nov.25 at 6:09 pm
    Get the eff outta here!!! I’m not believing anything until the press conference.

  • AZ Posted: Nov.25 at 6:10 pm
    I will never forget watching this guy play his heart out every single game. His career as a 76er was legendary, and he will always remain an inspiration to me.

  • zach Posted: Nov.25 at 6:11 pm
    i am to sad to comment

  • zach Posted: Nov.25 at 6:12 pm
    this is the saddest day in the NBA.

  • Dacre Posted: Nov.25 at 6:12 pm
    Thanks A.I. It was an adventure and your welcome back any time.

  • JE Posted: Nov.25 at 6:13 pm
    Damn. We aren’t just talking about “a couple good years” left in the tank, either. We’re missing like 4 All-Star seasons. Sucks, man.

  • Bryan Posted: Nov.25 at 6:14 pm
    I don’t even know what to say.

  • Yesse Posted: Nov.25 at 6:15 pm
    Oohh noo.I hope he makes like a comeback with a veteran contract when he’s older.

  • zach Posted: Nov.25 at 6:15 pm
    Whether you liked him or not you have to
    feel sorry for the way this ended.
    Truly one of the all time greats he will be missed

  • sunsNroses Posted: Nov.25 at 6:17 pm
    wait, you guys were making fun of AI a few months ago saying how he’s a bad player and there’s no team for him in the NBA… now he’s retiring and you change sides??? lmao…

  • underdog Posted: Nov.25 at 6:17 pm
    Never supposed to happen with circumstances like this.

  • Rich Posted: Nov.25 at 6:18 pm
    If true, then it’s sad. Sad to see AI call it quits, period, but sad, too, that his ego wouldn’t let him pursue a ring as an off-the-bench sparkplug with a contender.

  • dookie Posted: Nov.25 at 6:18 pm
    Even if it is true, if guys like Ostertag, Allan Houston and Reggie Miller all decided to make (unsuccessful, but still) comebacks, I’m pretty sure Iverson – who’s heart is bigger than any of the aforementioned – will find his way back, one way or another. He just needs to cool off, talk to the right people, and realize that he’s not twenty-effing-three years old anymore. we need to see him cross people up and drive to the hole a couple more times before he hangs up his Reeboks in proper manner. See ya soon, Al.

  • Tommy Patron Posted: Nov.25 at 6:19 pm
    This is America.

  • Logues Posted: Nov.25 at 6:20 pm
    this sucks, but i have a feeling he will comeback sometime. atleast i hope

  • Pardeep Posted: Nov.25 at 6:22 pm
    Damnnn. Never thought it would end like this. Damn near shed a tear when I hurd. I thought AI would have his Brett Favre moment where nobody wants him and all of sudden hes one of the best in the world again. Thank this man for everything fans. Allen Iverson is top 30 all-time in my mind and he will always be a legend. But why like this? One thing is for sure AI did it his way and it made him one of the best ever and I want to thank Iverson for everything. So next time you see a player walking in a suit on game day remember Allen Iverson was the reason. Next time you see a player covered in tattoos remember AI was the reason. Next time you see a sleeve and guy with baggy shorts and cornrows remember AI was the reason. Next time ya’ll see a 6 footer score 50 remember AI was the reason he could do that because he showed the world anythings possible. Allen Iverson is no longer the answer but now the Reason. Thank you AI

  • OfficialEdgar Posted: Nov.25 at 6:22 pm
    well this sucks!

  • Brad Long Posted: Nov.25 at 6:23 pm
    Damn shame. I’m just…speechless.

  • Airswade Posted: Nov.25 at 6:23 pm
    I’ve never been a massive fan of cornrows and “gangster B-ball” but this just ain’t right. Man played his heart out. Damn! I won’t believe it ’till I see it…..

  • BIG z Posted: Nov.25 at 6:24 pm
    this is horrible news

  • Mike Posted: Nov.25 at 6:25 pm
    Its sad to a point but the man did this to himself. How can you honestly be that selfish? This could keep him out of the hall, and for what? Because you cant come to the realization that your not a 25 year old anymore and you have to change your game? And he always talked about his extreme love for basketball. Well were the hell is that love right now AI? If you wanted to show how much basketball meant to you, you would have taken a smaller role and kept playing for the four-five years you still had left.

  • RoG23 Posted: Nov.25 at 6:25 pm
    FINALLY!!!

  • Joe A Posted: Nov.25 at 6:26 pm
    It’s depressing the way his career ended. I loved his game, but his impact was bigger than what he did on the court.He challenged the status-quo the moment he came into the league.

  • Young Lebron 23 Posted: Nov.25 at 6:28 pm
    H.O.F the game just won’t be the same…

  • TADOne Posted: Nov.25 at 6:29 pm
    This won’t keep him out of the Hall.

  • Bryan Posted: Nov.25 at 6:30 pm
    Yeah you’re right , is your last name conley? He should have just sat behind conley who f*cking SUCKS. He is better than people give him credit for why should he have to change just because someone thinks he should? If he can still perform at a high level he shouldn’t slack off just to get a spot in the L. No one is sadder about this than I am but don’t be stupid he still had it and could still put 25 anytime. And there’s no telling what he was gonna do maybe he was gonna start for memphis and put up 19 and 9 and we wouldn’t even be having this talk but because the grizz sat him behind players who were far worse than he was he gets ridiculed. F*ck that and f*ck you.

  • Wendallt Posted: Nov.25 at 6:31 pm
    This is the worst. I wish it wouldnt have ended like this. A.I. was the best little man to ever grace the NBA Hardwood!! Big ups to the “Answer”

  • Mendel Posted: Nov.25 at 6:32 pm
    This is the most disappointing sports news of my whole entire life. This is an utter tragedy. This is a very clear sign that a moment like this is further evidence that the arrival of Moshiah is upon us. Moshich Now!!! Please let this be a publicity attempt to get the guy signed. My heart is broken and I am in tears.

  • Pardeep Posted: Nov.25 at 6:35 pm
    Weather you like him or you don’t you have to admit when he and Joe Dumars held that Pistons #1 jersey at the press conference about a year ago no one thought a year from now AI would be retired. If you did your lying but one thing is for sure Michael Curry has so much to do with this and the Pistons organazation gave AI a worse rep then he already have before teams would say “hey hes AI bad attitude and off court issues are always with him but hes one of the greatest players ever” Now they just say he has bad attitude but this is sad how it had to end like this. Im going to rock my Sixers AI jersey today and tommorow and hell even the day after to wherever I go. Hope he returns though.

  • Tariq Posted: Nov.25 at 6:41 pm
    It’s better to burn out than to fade away?

  • cramzy Posted: Nov.25 at 6:42 pm
    i don’t care how much you hate ai, or his impact on the game,or how he left, there is no way you can leave this guy out of the hall.If you read a nameless resume that said League MVP,10 Time Allstar, 4 scoring titles,3 all nba first teams, 2time all-star mvp,rookie of the year, 27ppg career average…no way you can front on that. AI was that dude. He did it his way.Sadly that’s why he’s gone but you gotta respect that.I’m just disappointed its ending like this.

  • fredd Posted: Nov.25 at 6:42 pm
    when a player with the charisma of Iverson says he feels he still has a lot left in his tank and still love the game … BE SURE that he’ll come back !

  • erik Posted: Nov.25 at 6:44 pm
    I hope AI pulls an MJ , retires, an than comes back wearing #45

  • Joe Posted: Nov.25 at 6:45 pm
    I hope someone calls him and offers him a starting job, or guaranteed 25-30 mins. off the bench position, right at the start of this “supposed press conference”

  • TADOne Posted: Nov.25 at 6:47 pm
    I wouldn’t exactly say AI was burning out, Tariq. He obviously has slowed a bit but that AI was still better than 75% of the league.

  • OneSun Posted: Nov.25 at 6:49 pm
    He’ll come back. I’m almost certain this won’t be it. And the romantic in me says he’ll retire after playing for the 76ers again…

  • BIG z Posted: Nov.25 at 6:50 pm
    time to fade away AI.

  • doyouwantmore Posted: Nov.25 at 6:50 pm
    Selfish, rich, and talented. The dude could play at a high-level off the bench for any team in the L if he could just check his ego, but he chooses to retire instead? Without a ring? That’s a wack move if you ask me. Obviously he’s gotten everything out of the sport that ever motivated him. He’ll never know what it’s like to hoist a trophy with his teammates. If it’s not about Allen Iverson anymore, then Allen Iverson won’t play. I used to love watching Iverson play, but the fact that his brain and maturity never caught up to his skills have made me lose a lot of respect. If I had half the talent I would be ballin’ on a budget and taking it as far as I could. ‘The Answer’ might just wake up in a year or two and realize what he had, besides jewelry and scoring titles.

  • Fat Lever Posted: Nov.25 at 6:51 pm
    I’ve lived in Philly my whole life, grew up with AI on the Sixers, and tied specific games to my young adulthood, and he brought joy to my life as a Sixer fan. So for all that, I say thank you. But on the other hand, he did this to himself. All he had to do was come in, ball his ass off, just like he did his entire career, and stay quiet, and Memphis had no other option to start him. AI knew going into Memphis that Conley was the starter, they told him this. He couldn’t let it play out for a 15-20 games, and if he clearly outplayed Conley, and was still on the bench, then start raising his voice? C’mon guys, what he did on the court is HOF worthy, but that’s where it stops. He’s not a saint like some of you are waxing poetic about. Let’s keep it in perspective.

  • Brad Long Posted: Nov.25 at 6:52 pm
    Apparently 13 years later, people are still afraid of Allen Iverson. Sad.

  • MagicChicken Posted: Nov.25 at 7:02 pm
    What I’m saying is, why aren’t there other teams that want him? You’re telling me the Nets or the Knicks couldn’t use a star for a year? You’re telling me that Cleveland has no problem starting a small backcourt last year, but isn’t going to risk it this year? You’re telling me that any of those other sucker teams don’t need some flash? Ya, Memphis was dumb, but they proved that 2 years ago w/ the Gasol move. There’s no excuse for any of those other teams.

  • Edoardo Posted: Nov.25 at 7:05 pm
    Thank you A.I., I Still remeber how you changed the game and it seems like yesterday….Thanks!
    A guy from Italy who still ballin’ in your honor!

  • thalilbigkahuna Posted: Nov.25 at 7:06 pm
    What a terrible way to go out.

  • BETCATS Posted: Nov.25 at 7:12 pm
    This sucks. But Allen brought this upon himself. He should have seen what was going to happen in Memphis from a mile away. Such a shame…

  • robert stewart Posted: Nov.25 at 7:13 pm
    A.I was the most talented little man ever. I used to get my braids just like his because I admired his heart. Now he’s retiring. And deep down I know he would be playing for a contendor if he dropped his ego. Pride is a dangerous drug

  • CARTEL Posted: Nov.25 at 7:17 pm
    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • davidR Posted: Nov.25 at 7:18 pm
    he wasn’t playing around. real till the very end

  • ktokyo Posted: Nov.25 at 7:19 pm
    Good riddance. Squandered athletic ability and physical toughness by having a bad attitude and jacked up ego. Kids, don’t try this at home.

  • boy sanchez Posted: Nov.25 at 7:31 pm
    I always comment on topics that they are important to me and i try to find something good to tell. But I really don’t know what to say right now…

  • Brian Posted: Nov.25 at 7:33 pm
    People, AI ain’t half as good as Zeke. It’s not even close.

  • Robb Posted: Nov.25 at 7:33 pm
    Thank God. It was about time.

  • Michael NZ Posted: Nov.25 at 7:34 pm
    Has no one to blame but himself. I’d pretty much had enough of the dude and his me me me attitude. Last two years have really soured things. Tis a shame regardless though. Was an icon.

  • DW24 Posted: Nov.25 at 7:35 pm
    HAH!!!! That’s all I have to say for this “me” thug type attitude he had. Tats and suits were around before AI. He never won because he is not a winner he’s a scorer. Defense wins championships and he didn’t have that. He was a wannabe thug that thought he was the greatest ever. When Michael retired THAT was the saddest sports news ever. This guy? Yeah the league will do A LOT better without his selfishness.

  • MattZ Posted: Nov.25 at 7:44 pm
    noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :’(

  • 360vue Posted: Nov.25 at 7:44 pm
    I don’t really want to respond to comments on such an issue… However, as a Sixers fan I will say most of the hate and bile poured upon this man on these boards this season has been wholly unjust and somewhat irrelevant. I can guarantee that only a handful of you can even remotely compare knowledge on the man with me; the majority of you haters don’t know your eyeballs from your a$$holes when it comes to this man so get a grip…. A tribute; he singlehandedly reignited a franchise as few ballers have managed to do. One of the best pound for pound players ever to have graced the game. A tiny warrior in a game played by giants. This is hands down my saddest day in NBA basketball, other retirements have been painful, but at this moment, in this state of shock, I can think of any that have been as premature and needless as this. He easily had at least two seasons of top level game in him, potentially more as his physical attributes receeded and he adjusted accordingly. Sigh…

  • john Posted: Nov.25 at 7:45 pm
    HE’LL BE BACK

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Nov.25 at 7:45 pm
    Congratulations to one of the greatest players of all time. Best of luck to Allen in his future; its sad it had to end like this, but nonetheless I’m glad he played and accomplished what he did. I will enjoy seeing him enter the hall of fame in the future. He really did change the game, whether his detractors like to admit it or not; he changed both the play and the personality of the game.
    One of my all time favorite ball players.

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Nov.25 at 7:46 pm
    Those who still have something bad to say about this man, even after he retires just don’t appreciate basketball. Its sad that even after 13 years of play in the NBA, and after he announces his retirement, people still feel the urge to get in one last kick before he’s out of the league.

  • Jarrod Posted: Nov.25 at 7:48 pm
    :’(

  • Ben Osborne Posted: Nov.25 at 7:53 pm
    Really sad if really done.

  • Michael Scorn Posted: Nov.25 at 7:55 pm
    I’m still voting him to start in the All-Star Game.

  • Brian Posted: Nov.25 at 7:56 pm
    I am going to wear a wife beater to work on Friday and if my employer doesn’t like it, fork them. I do what I want!!! Thanks AI.

  • 360vue Posted: Nov.25 at 7:58 pm
    As the career of one great Sixer appears to have closed its last chapter, the career of another potential Sixers hero has started. Mr. Jrue Holiday has started his first NBA game tonight against the C’s guys and girls. Dude got 11 pts (3-5 from 3pt) 6 rebounds 1 assist 2 steals and 1 block in JUST TEN MINS last night, pretty much against the Whizz starting 5, its just one game but that output is phenomenal whoever you are. Lets hope he can keep up the show against one of the best teams in the L (and its early, but hes doing very well so far)

  • bob Posted: Nov.25 at 7:59 pm
    to much ppl hate the lil guy for nothing .THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORY A.I
    T-MAC UR NEXT lol

  • tealish Posted: Nov.25 at 8:04 pm
    There’s an entire statement by Allen Iverson, thanking everybody, on Stephen A. Smith’s website…. so I’m pretty sure this is legit and that is upsetting. I do think there is a chance he comes back because I believe him when he says he has a lot left to contribute. Teams just need to give him the chance. I cannot believe a great career ends in this way. But hell, I’m just going to find consolation in the fact that even going out this way, beats Hakeem’s pit stop in Toronto.

  • tom Posted: Nov.25 at 8:09 pm
    what a sad end to such an awesome career

  • Z Posted: Nov.25 at 8:11 pm
    That’s a damn shame. It’s crazy to think that everything was fine just a year ago. He was still scoring 25 ppg and Denver had big aspirations. Now, he can’t even get a check. What’s even crazier is that he still got it! I guess he stayed true to himself until the very end, AI was never one to compromise. Ah man, this just doesn’t feel right.

  • airs Posted: Nov.25 at 8:14 pm
    I don’t ever really remember seeing him on the decline.
    i remember him wanting to play the way he wanted to, saying he needed to start, and not getting the right minutes or right system to show what he could do.
    his ego got the best of him some, well most times. but i don’t ever remember iverson’s skills deteriorating.
    what a loss for the league. hope he can be like an analyst or something haha, thatd be great.

  • don Posted: Nov.25 at 8:15 pm
    this is hearbreaking, but i can’t shed tears, i’m at work.

  • jj Posted: Nov.25 at 8:16 pm
    come to OKC alllen iverson!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Yassi Posted: Nov.25 at 8:17 pm
    Oh noooooooooo
    :-(
    :-(
    :-( not supposed to happen like this

  • Yassi Posted: Nov.25 at 8:18 pm
    he´ll be gettin my allstar vote, though

  • GoNets Posted: Nov.25 at 8:21 pm
    maybe he can get a starting job in Europe or China

  • liam Posted: Nov.25 at 8:22 pm
    Memphis ruined a legend we all know allen iveson is better than mike conley

  • Tariq Posted: Nov.25 at 8:23 pm
    TADONe: I agree. It’s just that when I read the news about AI’s retirement, for some reason I remembered Kurt Cobain’s suicide note.

  • Rusty Posted: Nov.25 at 8:24 pm
    SAD END TO A GREAT CAREER

  • Jacob J Posted: Nov.25 at 8:35 pm
    FINALLY!!! He was such a whineass and he wonders why he cant win a title. Its about time that he is done!!!!

  • Michael Scorn Posted: Nov.25 at 8:38 pm
    Maybe he can go back to rapping.

  • Mavus Posted: Nov.25 at 8:40 pm
    Get with crazy Marbury and make an offer to a team ..

  • Xiaoyi Posted: Nov.25 at 8:40 pm
    This is a sad day! Just want to say AI’s impact is worldwide. I am from China. AI is my favourite player of all time. The guy is so f********* real. No matter what you feel about the guy, he is one of the best player ever to play the game and he did it his way.

  • Michael Scorn Posted: Nov.25 at 8:40 pm
    If he still loves basketball, he should go play at the Rucker, since that’s where real basketball is played anyway.

  • retep1 Posted: Nov.25 at 8:45 pm
    damn thats sad. hope he got a ring before ending his career. he is one of the most deserving. end of an era.

  • Jin Posted: Nov.25 at 8:54 pm
    Pound for pound one of the greatest players to ever play this game. It’s sad, but I think he has passed the torch to Brandon Jennings.

  • Fat Lever Posted: Nov.25 at 8:54 pm
    liam: How did Memphis ruin his legacy? They told him Conley was the starter from the gate, and he chose to accept that when he signed the contract? Some of yall are so blind, there are always 2 sides to every story. Ultimately AI’s career was in his own hands.

  • richard e. Posted: Nov.25 at 9:12 pm
    RIP allen iverson

  • freezy23 Posted: Nov.25 at 9:27 pm
    peace ai hope you come back bro

  • J-RO Posted: Nov.25 at 9:44 pm
    man this dude was one of my favorites…at least i was a witness to his last game here in L.A.
    …thanx for the memories Allen…

  • Sturm Drang Posted: Nov.25 at 10:10 pm
    AI’s career went this way because he was so talented, nobody ever forced him to grow up and learn to be a professional and now it’s too late. Partying until the late hours, terrible influence on young players, me-first play, A COMPLETE INABILITY TO SHUT UP while doing his job… AI could have been the greatest ever if he had learned to be coachable. Except for a brief couple years with Larry Brown, AI just did not listen to his coach. At all. Any of them, including Larry, if they’d tell him he needs to adapt his play, he’d just tune them out and keep doing his own thing. There are so many blind AI fans who made comments here like some great injustice was done to AI. It’s not so. AI did this to himself. He never fulfilled his potential because he refused to ever learn anything more than what he could already do. If you had AI’s attitude at your job, and you were as good at what you did, you’d be a star for a while at your company… but then the bad attitude would catch up and you’d hit a ceiling – you wouldn’t ever make partner or be executive VP or whatever.

  • Josh Posted: Nov.25 at 10:17 pm
    Yeah, like Jordan and Jay-z ‘retired’. He’ll be back.

  • albert Posted: Nov.25 at 10:21 pm
    sad day

  • chintao Posted: Nov.25 at 10:24 pm
    The man was too real for the L. Given the guy’s still awesome skills, it smells a little like Stern issued an edict. No one can be bigger than the game, unless your name is David Stern. People still don’t think the NBA blackballs guys?

  • b Posted: Nov.25 at 10:25 pm
    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO@@@ oh my gawd pls dont be serious, please, omg, he’s the only reason i follow up on the nba now, he’s the first, last, and only REAL favorite player in the nba, he’s my greatest inspiration..i mean, i honestly didnt know about him until the last nba all star, but, ive fallen instantaneously for his real-ness his commitment his passionand just everything about him i admire, i feel a connection with him in so many levels, i quite see myself in him, and now it ends like this?!?!!!? plsss ai dont let it be!! ive only gotten to kno u for so lil, you cant let it end like this, PLS AI, COME BACK

  • JE Posted: Nov.25 at 10:25 pm
    They should hire him as an assistant coach in Milwaukee, once he really is too old to play.

  • Mack Posted: Nov.25 at 10:27 pm
    one of the best ever, i still dont believe this, but if its true, thanks for the memories a.i, i wont forget game 1 finals v lakers

  • onions baby onions Posted: Nov.25 at 10:33 pm
    Thanks A.I. You inspired an entire generation.

  • Heals Posted: Nov.25 at 10:34 pm
    Let’s all hope that this isn’t the last chapter to wonderful basketball story…

  • Report: Allen Iverson Retires | Basketball, Digg, Google, Men, Science, Sports, Twitter | Ads News Posted: Nov.25 at 10:45 pm
    [...] Read the rest here: Report: Allen Iverson Retires [...]

  • ish Posted: Nov.25 at 10:50 pm
    i second you @360vue, too much on on this guy unjustly. he stood on his own 2 feet. didnt want to be the next so and so, but the first AI. resspect this man for being true to himself and not another puppet for the nba. like you are really telling me this guy cant get a job in the nba, are u for real? as watered down and one-sided as this league is right now? for all u haterz out there marinate on this the next time u call this guy a selfish thug: how many selfish thugs do u know that dip into their own pockets to give kids money for college? hmmm? how many selfish thugs pull over on the highway to help someone who’s car flipped over and then came back to the hospital to check on them? hmmm? so go check urself in the mirror b4 u pass judgement on a dude u only kno of becuz u jumped on the hate bandwagon. i want AI to play again but hey screw these bums. go live ur life and raise ur fam, its obvious this league has no love for a great player like him.

  • J Posted: Nov.25 at 10:56 pm
    it’s very sad to see it like this(if this would be the very end). you know we have to admit some of us are blinded by his unique greatness and that, overshadowed the fact that he never compromised to anyone, and vice versa.

  • Jose Posted: Nov.25 at 11:13 pm
    I’m callin this right now.AI Can still paly one more game if we ALL Vote him into the ALL-STAR game.I know it can be done. VOTE A.I.!!!!!

  • T Posted: Nov.25 at 11:21 pm
    *SMH* not like this just not like this….all those great moments cant be denied the man played incredible with incredible heart…

  • samuel harrison Posted: Nov.25 at 11:36 pm
    i herd today that the famous number 3 has retired? no way i mean i cant say i was suprised because the way things have ben going, but wait the same hungry allen iverson who crossed jordan his rookie year and became the symbol of heart and struggle and passion for philly? wow i mean so stoked when he played his first game , because it was supposed to be his rebirth as a player, lol ha and he came out and in my eyes was the best player out ther and seemed to score like classic A i .i mean that killer instink, that ruthless and raw skill , where, if you love him or hate hime ,all you can do is just sit back and say wow , clean, fast,easy, these are words i here when i watch him. He has will probably always be my favorit player , never seen a guy do the same moves the greats were doing , but like a whole lot faster ,i mean he won a champion ship game in highschool football and baskettball in the same year…. uhh what! have we forgot allready , peaple and coaches in bethal high school now say before ther was a michael vick, there was a alllen iverson… amazing punt return artist, and QB, he was unbelievable to watch as i chiled , ide like to call it god gifted, chiled protagy.speed of a jaguare and living in philly naturaly he had the eye of the tiger.i mean me being a baller myself i relate to hime a 100 percent, its not easy out here. it so easy to get cought up in everything out there …he has had his struggles and unlike every clean cut nba player , he was not ashamed to be real ,and hide these things that made him who he was, he was proud of his life and his tatoos they represted his journey in life and how he got out of a poverty. he is a voise to all the great street ball kids i philly and across the world , because he was the first one to stand up and say I AM… im here and you like the world cant stop me he put it all on the line and has nuthing to be ashamed of ,thank you allen for all the great moments , and nights on you tube where i can watch you amaze me yet again. as i come to my end ide just like to say dont let the tatoos the corn rows and gangster attitud daceive you , ARTIST thats what he was, like a roy jones jr , floyd mayweather, a talent that comes in once in a life time,i told myself it was always my dream to see allen iverson play one time in my life!!! when he got to memphis i bought a ticket to san antonio, spurs vs grizz sumtime in months to come, and they were right behind the grizzlies bench haha , never got to see him play, but still remember the lakers sixers game 1 champion ship when allen crossed that dude on the side lines, and then with hits the shot and steps over the guy. as to say i will not die today!!! i will love and miss you a i . hopefully you come back to us!!!! 1 last thing take this into consideration allen, jason kidd, jason williams , paul pierce ray allen , kobe bryant yeah i said it… these are guys not to long ago were out running and out hussiling, and with your heart and durable body you shoulked be out ther still showing off your pure skil.so many haters out there, but they dont understand the game or dont understand you….come back!!! i herd once that guarding you was like trying to hold water in the poum of your hand lol the answer is gone all we can do is sit back and remember….

  • pedro e Posted: Nov.25 at 11:49 pm
    iverson is good but not better than charles barkley

  • Big Marv' Posted: Nov.26 at 12:19 am
    Salute to my heroe Allen Iversoon, you will be missed.
    @Slam: best see some kinda tribute issue fast.

  • jrb Posted: Nov.26 at 12:25 am
    WTFFFFF?!!!!!!?!?!?!?!??!?!? AI is one of mi all time fav players

  • johnny rooks Posted: Nov.26 at 12:26 am
    Man if it wasnt for ai i wont be playing ball today i am 5’9 and i can out score any body because i got my game from ai and im goin to teach my kids how to play just like him

  • johnny rooks Posted: Nov.26 at 12:26 am
    Man if it wasnt for ai i wont be playing ball today i am 5’9 and i can out score any body because i got my game from ai and im goin to teach my kids how to play just like him

  • johnny rooks Posted: Nov.26 at 12:32 am
    Well va we still got kevin durant yo ai if you play in va agin let me be on your team. lol

  • johnny rooks Posted: Nov.26 at 12:33 am
    Well va we still got kevin durant yo ai if you play in va agin let me be on your team. lol!

  • Vegas Posted: Nov.26 at 12:46 am
    I hate the guy, but no player who has skill like Allen Iverson should retire without some golden rings on those talented hands

  • Anton Posted: Nov.26 at 1:08 am
    WE GET IT ALREADY! You don’t wanna practice on Thanksgiving. Geez.

  • T Money Posted: Nov.26 at 1:29 am
    Friggin drama queen.

  • Jukai Posted: Nov.26 at 1:49 am
    Love him or hate him, you gotta respect and appreciate his game. Love him or hate him, you gotta respect and appreciate how honest he was, how real he was.
    Love him or hate him, you gotta send him out with the respect you’d send any other future Hall of Famer out with.
    Thanks for all you did for the game of basketball, Iverson. We all hope you come back.

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Nov.26 at 1:52 am
    ^^^ Well said, man.

  • Joey E. Posted: Nov.26 at 2:03 am
    dont hate him, never have. but i’ve never been a fan. peace AI. now back to 2009-2010 season. TNT Thanksgiving. cant wait. for a West coast guy, some bball at night as opposed to football during the day is awesome

  • mango Posted: Nov.26 at 2:56 am
    He is an artist. He is a mystery. Remember the Philly days. Timing is everything. He won’t commit to retirement until he has a ring on his fingers. He’ll be back, an artist at heart.

  • DIMITRIS DIAMANTIDIS Posted: Nov.26 at 2:57 am
    What is the perfect end to the career of the worst basketball player to achieve superstardom ever….: nobody ,even teams moving with no direction and that could profit from some more shirt sales to kids, even considering about signing him. If this ain’t enough proof to you i wonder what is……

  • mango Posted: Nov.26 at 2:57 am
    lets all make this the longest post slam has ever seen until the day he comes back. allen iverson MADE Slam mag.

  • DIMITRIS DIAMANTIDIS Posted: Nov.26 at 2:59 am
    also, one of the greatest wastes of talent in the history of the game along with Spenser haywood, Derrick Coleman and Roy Tarpley.

  • Toine Posted: Nov.26 at 3:05 am
    Man I just cried right now. All day I read these reports and now I cried I watched the AI tributes on youtube and am in tears as I write this. Wow the days in Philly when you would skip everything to watch this little guy take over wow man why like this. damn im broken. Thanks ai

  • rikson Posted: Nov.26 at 3:26 am
    @Rog: Agree… FINALLY! This got to a stage where it felt like an annoying soap-opera. Still, lets just remember him for his days (and accomplishments) in Philly -> for me that was and always will be the REAL Iverson!

  • rikson Posted: Nov.26 at 3:36 am
    But – to be true – I think its better this way! Iverson has clearly lost his game… should have gotten a J back then, eh?! The age probably hit his ability to score more than any other player…. An Iverson without the ability to get by his man is like Tony Parker without the speed and the J!

  • tealish Posted: Nov.26 at 3:41 am
    @DIMITRIS – I respect your hoops comments for the most part, but why kick the man when he’s down and literally out? Why do that? @Anton – haha

  • ngoiekafita Posted: Nov.26 at 4:01 am
    From Georgetown to the league, dude has been a BIG example for lil peepz around the globe.
    You will be missed, Bubba Chuck!!!
    I only remember THE CROSSOVER on GOAT, playoff greatness, the bunnies (ask Marcus Camby)
    the freedom of silent speech (by refusing the be like others like Sheed)

  • C-Mac Posted: Nov.26 at 4:19 am
    he will be missed
    big ups to the greatest little man (and my idol) to play the game.
    HOF here he comes

  • German Reignman Posted: Nov.26 at 4:54 am
    Several Things To Say: 1.) Wheres Dave Chapelle when you need him ?
    This is definitely a case of “When keeping it REAL goes wrong” 2.) Yes, he is to blame for this series of events … no man is bigger than the game itself and if you treat the game like he did, it can turn on you like a b|t<h 3.) Yes, he will be remembered as one tough m0therf*<** 4.) No, I don`t believe this is the end … there are still enough Tyronne Lues in the NBA to be stepped over …

  • RedRum Posted: Nov.26 at 5:52 am
    he is not a starter any more. He wants to be a starter. No other solution. By by!

  • Moose Posted: Nov.26 at 6:42 am
    Damn shame, but it was the right thing to do. Thank you for everything, AI.

  • Jas Posted: Nov.26 at 7:01 am
    I am saddened. Thanks for the memories Allen.

  • Hoodsnake Posted: Nov.26 at 7:26 am
    Wow what a way to ‘retire’. Truth of the matter is nobody wants anything to do with him. And im not talking only front office types-players too

  • fds Posted: Nov.26 at 7:39 am
    damn…i dont feel like studying for my math test anymore. i feel like all the fun is over…

  • DIMITRIS DIAMANTIDIS Posted: Nov.26 at 7:51 am
    @tealish….:you are right on this, it is not fair what i’am doing. At the same time it is so funny/laughable to me the fact that so many people that spend much time of their life with basketball considered Iverson a real player and had him almost in the same level with guys like Allen,Ginobili,Billups,Gasol,etc that i cannot help mentioning again and again what was obvious to me since 1998 and now ,slowly,becomes obvious to the rest of the world. Having said that i repeat that you are right but Iverson disrespected in so many ways the game that he deserves everything that is happening to him and everything that will happen in a few years.

  • andrew Posted: Nov.26 at 8:30 am
    what a shame.he was such a good player.he will be missed a lot

  • birdy Posted: Nov.26 at 8:38 am
    so ironic, people who were hating him when he left memphis are actually sad that hes gone now.

  • 360vue Posted: Nov.26 at 9:39 am
    @DIMITRIS, are you PANAGITOSATOPALOS? The way you make ridiculous statements just to try and provoke a response really strikes a comparison or are all Greeks just infuriatingly bad at holding a serious discussion? AI isn’t on the same level as Allen? Err Ray will go down as one the greatest shooters ever to have played, but he doesnt have half of what AI has… And the other names aren’t even worth comparing as they’re not even relative to AIs game… and you are saying that since 1998 it has been obvious AI isn’t a great? Please, you weren’t even watching back then evidently you strange, strange, strange person

  • MeloMan2.0 Posted: Nov.26 at 9:59 am
    sad, very sad… but my emotions arnt in full effect, cuz im almost 100 percent positive he’ll be back within a year

  • FoCo Posted: Nov.26 at 11:44 am
    Everyone do yourself a favor and read what Balls Don’t Lie had to say today on the matter. I suppose the Question that is going to be Answered is “who is the next selfish mega millionaire to pull a Farve”. If the guy had just went about ANYTHING the right way since making it to the league there would be nobody, NOBODY hating on him. But he has time and again refused to become a better teammate. I dare anyone to defend his showing up late, missing practice, partying all night and taking the young guys with him, complaining about his PT AFTER ONE GAME, and I won’t even mention Detroit. If only he could have once been the bigger man…but I guess that impossible since we all know he is 4 foot nothin and his heart makes up another almost 2 feet yadda yadda yadda. This is just another episode of AI quitting and this time on a game not just a team like he did in the end at Philly, and in Detroit, and in Memphis…only he’ll be back so the story isn’t over.

  • tavoris Posted: Nov.26 at 12:10 pm
    @360vue…it is him. That yellow-bellied, rainb ow flag carryin’ bastard doesn’t know how to discuss ANYTHING but Iverson and mediocre Euro players. He’s only attempting to turn the discussion into a flame war so he won’t have to listen to his mom demanding he move out before he turns 50.

  • 360vue Posted: Nov.26 at 1:05 pm
    oh tavoris. how i wish he read that, i had a serious lol session reading that

  • tavoris Posted: Nov.26 at 1:44 pm
    he will read it, then respond with some gibberish.

  • Allenp Posted: Nov.26 at 5:52 pm
    FoCo
    The right way?
    It never stops man. If you don’t do things the way people want, they hate you for it and then blame you for their hate.
    Ask Paul Robeson.
    Ask Oscar Robertson.
    Ask all the other cats who did it their way. Let their critics tell it, they brought all their problems on themselves, it’s all their fault.
    It never, ever changes.
    The world is depressing.

  • MoNiQuE Posted: Nov.26 at 7:02 pm
    THIS IS JUST OUTTA ORDER !!!!!!

  • Jeiel Posted: Nov.26 at 10:16 pm
    Damn, suddenly basketball sucks. F***k!!!!

  • lakkk Posted: Nov.27 at 1:10 am
    Dimitris, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOUR WEAK LITTLE EURO PLAYERS, SO SHUT THE F*CK UP AND BE A MAN.

  • rikson Posted: Nov.27 at 6:07 am
    @travoris and lakkk: Although I dont like the greek guy either, I feel ashamed reading your comments! Answering with soo much hate, on – in this connection – completly unimportant topics! Whats up with you americans ???

  • Kieran Posted: Nov.27 at 8:15 am
    Greek dude I thought today of all days you could try and be a little bit humble, just for once.
    Dont you ever entertain the idea that you could be wrong? Being that, you know, every ex player, pundit, journalist and almost all fans agree he is a legend who will without doubt be a first ballot hall of famer.
    Fair enough if you dont like him but denying his quite obvious talent is plain stupid.
    Anyway sad to hear him go out like that. Such a unique talent which is what made him so watchable.

  • Wayno Posted: Nov.27 at 9:44 am
    I have nothing nice to say, so I will say nothing at all…that’s all the respect AI gets outta me right now.

  • rikson Posted: Nov.27 at 11:30 am
    Nice one Wayno….

  • lacokanostra Posted: Nov.27 at 1:07 pm
    He should co-host a reality TV show with Stephon Marburry entitled “PIMP MY PRIDE”

  • FoCo Posted: Nov.28 at 5:50 am
    @Allenp Pretty sure you just compared Allen Iverson to Paul Robeson and Oscar Robertson. Shame on you sir.

  • tavoris Posted: Nov.28 at 4:34 pm
    @FoCo, for you to question his comparison tell how little u know about Robeson & Robertson.

  • FoCo Posted: Nov.28 at 8:17 pm
    @tavoris No it only proves how delusional you AI fanboys are. Robeson and Robertson, particularly Robeson, were revolutionary figures and at a time of overt national racism. It may strike a little closer to home with Oscar Robertson with the basketball connection but its still out and out absurd. The Big O was head of the players association and led the charge for higher wages in the NBA among other things. You call me back when AI is put in charge of anything bigger than a basketball or is persecuted by the government, i.e. Robeson and the Red Scare. Until then enjoy blindly following Allen Iverson.

  • tavoris Posted: Nov.30 at 12:54 am
    foco, a comparison does not mean the compared items are of equal measure. even a blind fanboy understands that. geez.

  • chintao Posted: Nov.30 at 1:48 am
    Nice discussion on NBA League Pass halftime tonight. Eric Snow said A.I. thinks it’s like cheating to sign-on with a contender just to cop a ring. Also, he noted that Iverson probably would be willing to come off the bench. The thing is, it has to make sense. He can’t be sitting behind inferior players while the team is steady losing.

  • tavoris Posted: Nov.30 at 10:40 am
    @chintao, it’s what he’s been saying all along. People just think he’s being arrogant. It’s called wanting to cement your own legacy, as opposed to riding on another’s coattails. While it’s likely to not result in a ring in his career, it is certainly understandable.

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