NEW YORK — For a New Yorker who three years in a row purchased season tickets a section removed from the 76ers' bench just to be assured of the opportunity to be entertained by Allen Iverson whenever in Philadelphia, it's distressing to see his career tumbling (bouncing out of Graceland) so unhappily and dishonorably.
Two seasons ago, Iverson was an All-Star, averaging 26.4 points for a Nuggets team summarily swept by the Lakers in the opening playoff round. Since, if you're scoring at home or sponging off someone else, he's been run out of more towns — Denver, Auburn Hills and Memphis — believe it or not, than Larry Brown.
Sad to say, in actuality, Iverson quit his last two pit stops. The same stubborn snag — an unbecoming, uncompromising repudiation to accept reservist duty — has served to reinforce the popular perception he's a bad guy.