Allen Iverson is a staple in NBA history. With countless accomplishments, the one thing that came along with it was tough criticism from fans and analysts. Being consistently criticized can hurt any normal person, despite what people say, words can hurt and Iverson is no different. He was known to read everything that was said about him and carried grudges. It is still happening to this day and Iverson claims he is tired of it. He spoke with Philadelphia Inquirer and voiced how people who don’t know him, doesn’t influence him or his actions.
“They don’t even know about you, they don’t even care about you, so what are you concerning yourself for?” he told the Philadelphia Inquirer at a 76ers uniform introduction Thursday night. “I am sick of defending myself and I am not going to keep on doing it.”
“Me and my family are straight,” Iverson told the Inquirer. “I am blessed, I am alive, man, and I am healthy and that is the only thing that matters. Me and my family, everybody else, it really doesn’t matter because why do you care about somebody talking negative about you if they don’t know you?”
Iverson has been dealing with negativity for a while, from being broke, not polished enough to not being appreciative, it is easy to say tune it out, but it is easier said than done. The unauthorized documentary about his life didn’t not show him in a very positive light.
Iverson is still a favorite amongst NBA fans and there is no denying that his name still holds weight around the league and its admirers. Iverson has consistently shown interest in returning to the NBA as a front office executive for the 76ers. So far no word on if that door will be opened. If you believe certain things in the documentary you can understand why the Sixers would be hesitant.
(H/T ESPN)