Iverson Out Again
Allen Iverson has again left the 76ers to deal with a family issue
Iverson Out Again
UPDATE:
Allen Iverson has left the 76ers again to deal with the ongoing illness of his daughter, Messiah, 4.
The Sixers are saying he is out ''indefinitely,'' beginning with Tuesday night's game against Golden State in Oakland. The Sixers learned of the situation Sunday.
A source familiar with the situations of Iverson and the Sixers said that, in this case, ''indefinitely,'' could possibly mean the remainder of the season.
The source also said, "The team is concerned about the distraction this could bring, but everyone understands it's most important for Allen to take care of his family.''
"He notified me before we got on the bus to fly here [to San Francisco, which the team did on Sunday]," coach Eddie Jordan said after the team practiced. "Before we left the hotel, he informed me in the morning that he needed to go back home and tend to family matters."
In a statement, Ed Stefanski, the Sixers' president/general manager, said: "At this time, we feel that it is in the best interest of the Sixers, Allen and his family that he be allowed to deal with a very serious issue that is far greater than the game of basketball."
Iverson has played in the Sixers’ last three games after returning from a five-game absence and missing the All-Star Game while his daughter was battling the illness.
Iverson has said that doctors in Atlanta, where the family lives, have been unable to determine exactly what is wrong with Messiah, the family's youngest child. Iverson told reporters that he was planning to bring his daughter to Children's Hospital in Philadelphia.
In Iverson's absence, it is likely that coach Eddie Jordan will use a starting backcourt of Jrue Holiday and Willie Green. This could also conceivably mean some minutes for Jodie Meeks, the guard acquired from Milwaukee at the trade deadline.
"The things he's done for this organization as far as basketball players is tremendous," Green said. "He took this team to the Finals in 2001. To me just a great overall person, character and teammate. It's sad to see that he won't be able to finish the trip with us ... To me he's a person that shows tremendous heart and determination, especially for his size. Someone that was willing to go through trials and tribulations on and off the floor. At the same time, the reason why people love him was because how honest he was."
well, this os a sad way to leave the game, but if it is to be,so be it.ALLEN IVERSON,will go down as one of the 76er greats.Family comes 1st.the 6ers have done what they could,by bringing him back,he gave it a go,but unfortuneatly,his daughter is very ill,and like any parent,he's gotta be there.i personally wish her the best,and hopes she gets well.i'm a fan of yours A.I,and wish u and the family all the best.u gave it all out there for your team,and this city,and we as fans should not forget your contributions here.good luck, to u man..........Terry-D, Clermont,Fla.— t_darb_56- well, this os a sad way to leave the game, but if it is to be,so be it.ALLEN IVERSON,will go down as one of the 76er greats.Family comes 1st.the 6ers have done what they could,by bringing him back,he gave it a go,but unfortuneatly,his daughter is very ill,and like any parent,he's gotta be there.i personally wish her the best,and hopes she gets well.i'm a fan of yours A.I,and wish u and the family all the best.u gave it all out there for your team,and this city,and we as fans should not forget your contributions here.good luck, to u man..........Terry-D, Clermont,Fla.— t_darb_56
- well, this os a sad way to leave the game, but if it is to be,so be it.ALLEN IVERSON,will go down as one of the 76er greats.Family comes 1st.the 6ers have done what they could,by bringing him back,he gave it a go,but unfortuneatly,his daughter is very ill,and like any parent,he's gotta be there.i personally wish her the best,and hopes she gets well.i'm a fan of yours A.I,and wish u and the family all the best.u gave it all out there for your team,and this city,and we as fans should not forget your contributions here.good luck, to u man..........Terry-D, Clermont,Fla.— t_darb_56
- I am appalled. Alan Iverson has demonstrated more character as a human being than so many of these posters. If my child were that sick I would do everything in my power to be with her. When she was that age, there were in fact several days I was unable to go into my office due to my child's health. I thank G-d she wasn't as ill as it appears that Messiah may be! My prayers are with A.I. and his family in this most difficult of times. Basketball may be his job, but it's just a game. This is real life, folks! Live and let live!— DocB
- the only joke is you silkcity19, if your child was sick and in a hospital would you leave her/him to go work. I know I would leave my child's side if they where sick and no doctor knew what was wrong. If my employer didn't like, then they can fire me. Silk you need to look in the mirror and check your integrity....— midwesteagle
- Wow...AI's daughter is in a "serious" condition and most post about good riddance to him...you negadelphian's deserve hell— WDG99
- I really hope this isn't the end of A.I's career. He has done a very good job adjusting to his new role as a player. He was one of the greatest to ever put on a jersey. I wish his daughter well. I respect a man who puts the fame to the side to deal with family and a very serious situation. I pray that his daughter gets well and that A.I is stil in the NBA next season.— Infamouskruse12
- Awesome words by Willie Green.— shamers82
- FIRST OF ALL, GOD BLESS A.I. AND HIS FAMILY. iF IT WERE MY DAUGHTER i WOULD DO THE SAME. nOTHING CAN DISTRACT YOUR MORE THAN KNOWING YOUR CHILD IS SICK. hAVEN'T PEOPLE EVER HEARD OF FMLA. A.I will always be the heart of the Sixers!— ty1on2006
- get well soon messiah. Long Live The Answer. i think more blame should be put on what the nba game has turned into- it's much of the reason why the 6rs are sooo unwatchable.— drumminge6
Comment removed.- Messiah, i don't pray but my hopes are high for you and your daddy. AI was the best thing to happened to sixers basketball since thump and bump! hope he comes back and retires as a sixer.— dankPhilly
- agreed with foxywoman. the man's daughter is sick and if you've been reading and admiring AI since 1996, you know how family oriented he is. he is where he needs to be— evelyn268
- Best wishes to AI and fam. Happy Belated Birthday to the Good Doctor, Julius Erving.— Kareem7272
All the best to AI, his daughter, and family. Their welfare is more important than the remainder of the Sixers season.— pedge
Bob Cooney has been at the Daily News for more than 20 years, working in the sports department for the past 15. This is his third season on the Sixers beat. He has covered just about everything, but mostly college basketball, where he was the La Salle beat writer for six seasons. E-mail Bob at cooneyb@phillynews.com and follow him on Twitter.
