I am not exactly sure what the personal reason is, but I am trying to find out. It has been a rough go of it for A.I. since joining the Grizzlies.
First he hurt his hamstring, then he complained about coming off the bench and now this. It is a sad end to such a great career. I feel bad for him.
Here is the info on what happened from a NBA Source close to the situation and Memphis Commercial Appeal
Iverson met with Griz owner Michael Heisley Friday night following the team’s 114-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The pair met again this morning, and Iverson was expected to depart for Atlanta this afternoon.
Atlanta is where Iverson lives during the offseason.
This latest development comes after Iverson played in three games since returning from a hamstring injury. Iverson came off the bench in each of those appearances and expressed his displeasure over that role all week.
It is not known when Iverson will rejoin the Grizzlies.
I wonder if A.I. will ever return? I am going to be honest from the day I heard that Iverson was considering playing for the Grizzlies I never thought it would turn out well.
When you have been a star shining as bright as Iverson you just don’t go to one of the worse franchise in the league and everything just works out.
If A.I. had issues coming off the bench in Detroit I don’t know why anyone thought he would be cool coming off the bench in Memphis of all places.
I wish him well, but like I said before it is a sad end to a wonderful career.
*UPDATE*
Early reports are just the Iverson just took his ball and went home which if that is the care I ask why did he even sign with the Grizzlies in the first place. He would have been better off just retiring as oppose to just damaging his reputation even more by quitting on the team because he couldn’t handle coming off the bench, but I am still digging.
*UPDATE PART 2*
After talking to several sources, here is the situation. Iverson was under the impression once he was fully healthy he was going to start and be the leader of the team. Iverson believed he got those assurances when he signed with the Grizz or he would have never signed with the team.
After sitting on the bench for the majority of his first three games back from injury he wasn’t happy with the “perceived broken promises”.
When the owner backed the coach in his decision to keep A.I. on the bench, Iverson decided enough was enough and bounced.
So I have confirmed this isn’t a medical or family issue, but simply a situation where he did not want to be on the team if he was coming off the bench so he took his ball and went home.
Also sources are saying you will probably never see Iverson in a Grizzlies uniform again, but he has no plans to retire.
If I get any more details I can share I will.