Allen Iverson Battles Alcohol, Gambling Addictions

by Matt Sweet

The tumultuous road of Allen Iverson’s life is a long and winding one, with obstacle after obstacle dotted along the way.  The most recent blot?  An alleged bout with alcohol and gambling, as reported by Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Stephen A. Smith.

According to Smith, Iverson is prone to “either drink himself into oblivion, or gamble his life away.”  A heartbreaking summary of an athlete’s fall from grace.

The last month has been an especially trying time for the former all-star.  Soon after an emotional, joyful return to the 76ers, the team Iverson was nurtured and thrived under (4 scoring titles, 2001 MVP award, 2001 NBA Finals appearance), Iverson announced he would be leaving the team once more.  On February 23^rd, it was announced Iverson would be leaving the 76ers “to deal with a very serious issue that is far greater than the game of basketball,” according to team president and general manager.  At first, it was reported this issue was an illness his four year old daughter, Messiah, was suffering.  But it seems Iverson himself is the one suffering most.  On March 4^th, the same day the 76er’s announced that Iverson would not be returning with the team, Iverson’s wife of 8 ½ years filed for divorce, on the basis that their marriage was “irretrievably broken.”

Iverson’s path has riddled with controversy.  Beginning in 1993, Iverson has been in the limelight for dubious, sometimes unlawful behavior.    That year, while still in high school, Iverson was convicted on “maiming by mob” charges, and sentenced to 4 months in a Virginia correctional facility until being granted clemency, and ultimately having the charge overturned.  Iverson again had legal trouble in 1997, the offseason after is rookie year in the NBA, being charged with carrying a concealed weapon and marijuana possession.  He was sentenced 3 years probation.

While his legal problems off the court were being curbed, his reputation on the court was shifting from famous to infamous.  After a number of stellar seasons between 1997 and 2002, Iverson’s tendency to repel from authority bubbled to the surface, most noticeably in a 2002 press conference following the 76ers first round elimination, where he sounded off on Coach Larry Brown’s criticism of Iverson’s absence from team practices.  This, coupled with refusing to come off the bench, missing games unbeknownst to the team, and open criticism of NBA policy have cast a dark shadow on a player that could be considered one of the best of his generation.

Upon the release of Smith’s article, Iverson was quick to respond, posting via Twitter: “To my fans: You all know that my life isn’t perfect. I am going through some very tough times right now, like I am sure that we all do from time to time.  However, I will stand tall like always with ‘rhino’ thick skin.”

Smith calls upon Iverson’s “inner circle to stand up and be counted, to provide some semblance of tough love.”  But the road back to greatness will not run through any other person than Allen Iverson himself.