Allen Iverson is a basketball legend and no one is arguing that. The crossover changed lives, the swag raised a generation but legends can still fumble badly. And this week, Allen Iverson fumbled in spectacular fashion in Australia, of all places.
Iverson was in Melbourne last week for a meet-and-greet event. The event included kids battling cancer and their families. You know, the kind of setting where basic human decency is the bare minimum. Smiles, patience and maybe a little warmth. According to multiple attendees, that was not what they got.
Instead, they got a different side of Allen Iverson and he’s been called out all over the internet.
A viral Reddit post has detailed an unpleasant experience involving NBA legend Allen Iverson, with Challenge CEO stating he “let down children and families” during a meet-and-greet in Melbourne last week.
“Allen Iverson came to Cavalo Prestige Melbourne to meet 12 kids who are battling cancer,” the post read.
“My little brother, who is 12 years old and currently receiving chemotherapy for ALCL lymphoma, was so excited to meet one of his idols. He came out extremely disgusted and disappointed in Allen Iverson’s behaviour – and so were the other families.”
“We were all told we would get to sit with him from 10:45 to 11:30am, and that did not happen,” the post stated.
“We were waiting in a downstairs room with his security and all of the kids, and his security told us he was ‘having a bad day’ and didn’t want to come out.”
Allen Iverson ia seriously catching the heat over what families claim to be disgusting and disrespectful behavior.
Families were reportedly promised signed basketballs, jerseys and an opportunity to ask questions – none of which occurred.
“After waiting hours, his security firmly told us he is not signing anything at all,” the post continued.
“We did not get to talk to him, and he did not say a word to anyone.”
The post claimed one family travelled more than six hours to attend the event, leaving children “extremely sad” by the end of the day.
This is what Challenge CEO David Rogers also had to say about the situation via a statement.
“Challenge was deeply disappointed with the meet and greet involving Allen Iverson,” Rogers said.
“There was nothing further we could have done as an organisation to improve the experience and, despite working diligently on the day to manage a challenging and at times disrespectful approach from his management team, we believe Allen Iverson ultimately let down the children and families who came to meet him.”
At the end of the day, basketball skills don’t excuse bad behavior. Not now, not ever, especially not around sick kids who just wanted a moment of joy.
Allen Iverson gave the world unforgettable highlights. Sadly, Melbourne families say this was one moment they wish they could forget.
