Debating Iverson's legacy

Allen Iverson is back. Almost. Maybe. The latest rumor has A.I. signing with Charlotte and reuniting with his former coach, Larry Brown. When they were together in Philly, they had a strange relationship. Brown got the most out of Iverson, but they also clashed at times.

 Is playing for Brown again a good idea for Iverson? And how would being a Bobcat affect Iverson's legacy?

From: Fagan, Kate
To: Ford, Bob; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Iverson

It seems to me that suggesting Iverson has a legacy to defend is akin to suggesting Mike Vick has a reputation to defend.

Iverson should retire.

Maybe in a few years folks will forget about his years in Denver and Detroit and remember him for what he did here.

From: Gonzalez, John
To: Ford, Bob; Fagan, Kate
Subject: Iverson

Was MJ's legacy tarnished when he played for the Wizards? What about Favre's going to the Jets and now the Vikings? Eventually, I think people remember the greats for what they did at the height of their careers. Iverson, for all his mistakes and bad decisions, was one of the best little men to ever play the game. In the end, I think we'll remember him stepping over Tyronn Lue or putting his hand to his ear after nailing a big shot at the Wachovia.

From: Fagan, Kate
To: Ford, Bob; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Iverson

Is it possible you have an inflated sense of Iverson's legacy? I think the majority of everyday basketball fans think he's a selfish little punk.

From: Gonzalez, John
To: Ford, Bob; Fagan, Kate
Subject: Iverson

I would never inflate his legacy. He was selfish, true enough. But he was also an undersize fighter who got hit in the mouth time and again only to rise up off the hardwood and hog the ball some more. The scrappy ones are the kind of me-first athletes this town loves, Kate. You'll learn that eventually.

Speaking of undersize, me-first guys, where's Buttons?

From: Ford, Bob
To: Gonzalez, John; Fagan, Kate
Subject: Iverson

Working, unlike the two of you. While you're discussing the Bobcats, I'm standing on a broiling practice field watching the Philadelphia Wildcats.

Tarnish Iverson's legacy? Wow. Is that possible, after all he's accomplished?

From: Fagan, Kate
To: Ford, Bob; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Iverson

Wait. Is tomorrow's Bob Ford column going to have actual facts?

From: Gonzalez, John
To: Ford, Bob; Fagan, Kate
Subject: Iverson

No doubt the readers are super sympathetic to Ford's plight and the fact that he has to stand on the practice field - for work.

From: Fagan, Kate
To: Ford, Bob; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Iverson

But it's broiling. Bob, drink plenty of water. And if you feel faint, don't hesitate to see a physician. Don't be a hero out there.

From: Ford, Bob
To: Gonzalez, John; Fagan, Kate
Subject: Iverson

I'm having a Grey Goose and pineapple. It's the official drink of the Philadelphia Eagles.