Iverson rumored to be part of Palestra game
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Iverson rumored to be part of Palestra game
As the days creep closer to Sunday’s anticipated “Battle For I-95,” it’s only natural that rumors would begin to swirl.
The latest rumbling is that former-76ers guard Allen Iverson may join Team Philly as they take on Team Melo at the Palestra. One of the most popular athletes in city history, Iverson will be in town Saturday night to host “The Return”, a VIP event at the Vault Ultra Lounge at 460 N. 2nd Street, near Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When reached by The Inquirer’s Kate Fagan, game organizer Rahim Thompson said “no comment.” He also tweeted that response when asked by someone else. Iverson has the same agent, Leon Rose, as fellow game participants Carmello Anthony, LeBron James and Chris Paul. Rose’ receptionist said she had no information on that matter and directed an inquiry via email.
The lone time James played at the Palestra, as a high schooler in 2002, Iverson sat at press row wearing an oversized Sixers coat and matching flatbrim hat. Iverson played alongside Team Philly guard Lou Williams when Iverson returned to the Sixers in Dec. of 2009. He spent part of last season playing professionally in Turkey.
Each week, Kate will check in from the road and answer fan questions about the Sixers. Click here to ask Kate a question or e-mail her at kfagan@phillynews.com.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....who really cares about this ?— frank105- Rick mahorn for assistant.— combocancer1975
- Who's "Allen Iverson"?— richojr
- Wake up, pro basketball fans care about this. The reason that you're zzzzzing it is because Philly has never really been a pro basketball town anyways. I can remember being able to buy 'good' playoff tickets the day of the game during the Barkley era against the Michael Jordan led Chicag Bulls, no less.— The Time Is Now
- thats right folks,A.I. will be...working a concession stand!i bet he wont even check I.D's to make sure all drinking are of legal age.— Court Jester
Comment removed.- its really bad when the people here,bad mouth A.I.only wish they had a tenth of his baketball talent.for all u haters ,give it a rest..this man had his ways,but gave his all when he put on the 6ers jersey..so what he's given the fans here,he should be respected,more,and treated with dignity.he had his ways,but left it out on the court,i wish him the best,and respect to him..and he will be remembered as one of the 6ers greatest playersin team history.. .— t_darb_56
- Agreed... Drop the AI hate people. '00-''01 was a season I will never forget and the only one worth remembering since '83! Love to AI and may he get it back together for his own sake and his kids.— miahjer
- I understand where the owners are coming from, in the lockout situation, because many are not making money, and the league is losing fans without "real" opportunities for bad teams to become competitive. However, if the players were smart, they'd start putting together their own league to put a little pressure on the owners.— BeFrank
- People really love Iverson. You can see the reaction throughout the city when his name is brought up. People really do care for his welfare. They want to know how he is doing. We want to hear good news about him. Because we miss how dominant he was. He's famous and has gone through a lot of situations in his life that may break others. He's always been real, relate-able, and defiant. Many of his ills were of his own doing [like all of us]. But, the thing is... We can't forget, we will never forget Iverson. He was the Sixers for most of his career here. He lit it up on and off the court. So polarizing in one way. Yet, so vulnerable in another. Iveson played with our emotions. He made us be proud to be fans of the Sixers again. To "Represent". In the end we remember the injuries, the laboring, and listlessness of the Sixer FO. Their penchant to sign and contract sub-standard teams/ players tore at our sanity. All the while Iverson became more derisive. He needed to go. It was time to rebuild again.— SeenGreen
- Who really thinks this Event, with NO NBA sanctioned security measures, won't end up with gunshots erupting??? A bunch of thug wannabe groupies watching a "Rival" Ghetto Ball Game with no real security? What could POSSIBLY go wrong???— DaHurricane
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- I guess Philly isn't the city of brotherly, if people are anticipating violence at this event. There have been a number of these events without any extracurriculars, anticipate the same here in 'your' hometown.
Enough of the AI and NBA hate already.— The Time Is Now - Can't help but think this Event will have a similar "feel" to it as the NBA All-Star Game had that was held in Vegas a few years ago...And that was a Ghetto Paradise from what I read. — DaHurricane
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
