Allen Iverson Praises Philadelphia During Hall Of Fame Induction
Allen Iverson was honored on Friday in Philadelphia at the recent 76ers versus Knicks game, and named as an inductee for the Basketball Hall of Fame class for 2016.
Reportedly, when Allen Iverson does a press conference, present company generally expects to have a good time, according to USA Today.
The actual Hall of Fame induction ceremony will not take place until September 9.
The Philly Inquirer Daily News said that Allen Iverson wished Phil Jasner had been at the press conference.
“I wish Phil Jasner could be here right now,” Iverson said. “I know he’s looking down on me, and I know he’s smiling right now. But he had our ups and downs, we had our little rifts. But now he’s a Hall of Famer (with me).”
Jasner was a writer for the Philadelphia Daily News who covered the 76ers for almost 30 years before he died in 2010.
At news of his death, the team remembered Jasner according to a publication on the NBA website’s 76ers page.
Iverson: 'I wish Phil Jasner could be here now' – https://t.co/B1pdH1d0hv Sports https://t.co/4yXLv9mdBO
— Sixers aggbot (@Philly_76ers) April 9, 2016
At the time, Comcast Spectacor President Peter Luukko praised his work covering the team.
“He took a lot of pride in his work. He was respected around the League by players, coaches, general managers and team owners.
“I always enjoyed spending time with Phil before a game and hearing some of his insights into the game of basketball. He was a good friend. He will be missed. I would like to send my condolences to his family.
“The Sixers will miss Phil’s laughter, his wit, his dedication to his craft and the team that he covered so diligently for so long.”
Last year Showtime aired a documentary on Allen Iverson, and he made an appearance on CBS This Morning to talk about it and the controversies surrounding him.
The Daily Press republished an article about an incident at a bowling alley that Iverson was arrested and charged for. After being jailed, he was given clemency by Virginia Governor Douglas Wilder before his conviction was overturned by the state’s Court of Appeals for lack of evidence.
It would appear that due to his sentencing, he had to rush through high school but had already caught the attention of some of the school’s coaches, who helped him get started on his basketball career.
On April 1, the Inquisitr wrote about an April Fools’ gag pulled on people over a pair of Air Jordan-styled shoes that would be made for Allen Iverson, but really was only meant to relive the moment both Jordan and Iverson had when they went head-to-head on the court.
“I hit the ground so many times and had to get back up. You know what I mean?” he said. “I’ve learned a lot. I’m not Allen Iverson at 21 years old. I had to learn a whole bunch. I had to be a poor man all my life and then one day, wake up a millionaire.”
Earlier in the week, all of the inductees including Allen Iverson were announced. Among them are Shaquille O’Neal, Yao Ming, Zelmo Beaty, Cumberland Posey, and Sheryl Swoopes for players, as well as coaches and some owners according to NESN.
The report covers the details of the press conference and other Allen Iverson-related announcements at the beginning of the game, and an update on a lawsuit against Philadelphia player Nerlens Noel for destroying a rental home.
[Featured image by Michael Perez | AP Photo]
