Allen Iverson signed a lifetime contract with Reebok, since his retirement there has been speculation on exactly how much A.I. was getting paid, what was his final lump sum and when would he get it.
Some speculated it was as high as $100 million or as low as $0. There was also discrepancies on when A.I. would get the money if there was any money to be given. Kent Babb just released an unauthorized biography on Iverson called “Not a Game” (you can buy it here) and it is fascinating. It covers everything and depending on your feelings on Iverson will open your eyes to a lot things most had no clue about. To say Iverson’s road to the NBA was complex would be an understatement and that isn’t even taking into account what we already know.
It has to be noted that Iverson has nothing to do with the book (Babb said he declined multiple interview requests) and has disputed a lot of things people have accused him including him being broke and an alcoholic. The book breaks down a lot of Iverson’s financial, family, drinking and anger issues over the years in great detail, so you just have to decide who you believe.
As far as the Reebok contract, Babb claims in the book it pays Iverson a yearly salary of $800k until his final payment of $32 million which he receives when he is 55 years old. Babb states the $800k is what Iverson lives off of now after blowing $150 million in NBA salaries and most of the $800k goes to creditors, bills and his Ex-Wife Tawanna.
Whoever negotiated that deal for A.I. deserves some sort of award, because if he didn’t have that money according to Babb he would be flat broke.
