NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson attributed his reportedly dismissive behavior during a charity event with children battling cancer to severe jet lag and fatigue from international travel, according to comments he made to reporters before the Jan. 22 encounter.
Iverson, 50, who was in Australia for appearances including NBL events, told a TV crew he was struggling with the time difference after 10 days in the country and multiple flights. “It’s good. I’m up a little early. It’s tough. I’ve been here ten days, and this adjustment is just … umm, it’s been tough on me. You know the time change, we’ve been on the plane like four times,” Iverson said in footage obtained by TMZ.
The event, held at Cavalo Prestige, a luxury car dealership in Melbourne, was organized by Challenge, an Australian nonprofit supporting families of children with cancer. Twelve kids and their families were promised a 45-minute session including autographs, photos and interactions with the former Philadelphia 76ers star.
However, accounts from attendees and organizers paint a picture of disappointment. Iverson arrived late after a podcast appearance overran, spent roughly one minute with the group for a quick photo and did not sign memorabilia or engage in conversation, according to Challenge CEO David Rogers. Rogers told Axios the total interaction was “shorter than an NBA TV timeout” and that he pleaded with Iverson’s team for more time.
One participant, 12-year-old Eli Stevenson, who is undergoing chemotherapy for a rare form of cancer, described Iverson as a “jerk” in an interview with Australia’s 10 News. Stevenson said security informed families that Iverson “wasn’t in the mood” and limited the meet to a silent group photo, leaving him and others “extremely sad.”
The incident sparked backlash online after a viral Reddit post detailed the families’ frustration, with some traveling over six hours to attend. Former NBA player Andrew Bogut, an Australian native, called Iverson an “absolute sh—t human” on social media for allegedly ignoring the kids.
Rogers publicly criticized Iverson, saying the basketball legend “ultimately let down the children and families who came to meet him.” As of Jan. 30, Iverson and his representatives have not issued further statements addressing the allegations.
Iverson, known for his crossover dribble and 11 All-Star selections during a 14-year NBA career, has faced similar scrutiny in the past over off-court behavior but remains a beloved figure for his on-court tenacity.
The controversy highlights the challenges of international travel for celebrities, though critics argue that jet lag does not excuse minimal engagement with vulnerable children.
