Sports

Allen Iverson Retired: Iverson's farewell letter to his fans

by Frank Liao | November 25, 2009 at 05:55 pm

2284 views | 2 Recommendations | 4 comments

Allen Iverson is now retired. Iverson explained his decision to retire in a farewell letter to his fans on the official site of Stephen A. Smith, a former ESPN basketball analyst.

Iverson was one of the most popular NBA players in the post-Michael Jordan era. His killer cross over move was simply the best ever, making Iverson unguardable in a one-on-one situation.

After being released by the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this month, there was much speculation about Iverson choosing to retire rather than play for a team where he wouldn't be the first scoring option. Iverson's name was floated around teams like the Cavs, Knicks, 76ers, and Lakers, but no team seemed to really want him.

An excerpt from Iverson's retirement letter:

I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association. I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.

I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.

* Frank Liao's note: For Iverson's career stats, awards, and quotes, check out my other Nowpublic story.

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recommend This comment thread is now closed

who killed rock

at 20:43 on November 25th, 2009

PRaCTICE! A.I. is one of my favorite NBA players. Best of luck.

WHYYYY (not verified)

at 21:09 on November 25th, 2009

Aww man dont leave AI

Ronnique (not verified)

at 11:49 on November 29th, 2009

Please, Allen Iverson don't leave. We LOVE you. We don't want you to retire now.

KEYSA (not verified)

at 13:49 on January 7th, 2010

NO DON'T GO I DIDN'T GET A CHNAGE TO SEE YOU PLAY AT THE STADIUM YET? YOU ARE MY FAVORITE PLAYER, AND I WOULD HATE TO SEE YOU GIVE IT UP LIKE THIS. WISH YO COULD OF GOTTEN A RIGN YOU SO DESERVE. MUCH MUCH LUV, YOUR NUMBER #1 FAN.