Allen Iverson Faces Tough Opponent: Alcohol, Gambling and Redemption
Allen Iverson’s tumultuous year of being in and out of lineups for the Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers this season, while coming to face the reality that he is no longer a starter grade player in the NBA any longer, is apparently just the beginning of his problems.
In the midst of his daughter Messiah’s mysterious and ongoing illness, Iverson’s wife recently filed for a divorce, claiming that irreconcilable damage has been done. Topping things off, rumors are surfacing alleging that AI has a severe drinking problem with a gambling addiction to boot.
The bottom line is if AI has not yet hit rock bottom, he might wind up dead before he can sink any lower, and nobody wants that under any circumstance.
What the Answer needs to do is just that. Find some answers.
It’s time for him to take a step back within himself, and if he cannot find any, reach out and ask for help.
We have all marveled at his strength and might while admiring him for being such an explosive and powerful player. AI is famous for relentlessly challenging giants and conquering them, doing so with a style that has taken our breath away. But now he must humble himself, digging even deeper, and beat his inner demons. No small task when reflecting upon his self-sacrificing-never-backing-down style of play.
His demons are his own to face, and they are not to be taken lightly. A lesser man would have unquestionably crumbled apart years ago.
AI must seek to set a new example for his followers on the worldwide stage, letting people know alcohol and personal problems can happen to anyone.
AI has the world in his corner while facing his demons. (Credit: picapp.com)
It can be done. AI doesn’t need to go to Alcoholics Anonymous, nor does he need meetings to discuss gambling. Those angles will not work for AI. He is simply the kind of guy who is too tough and too proud for those support based systems to have any solid effect. He will have to do it on his own.
The legacy and culture he built on and off the court as a rebellious and outspoken icon dictates that he addresses his problems, and attacks his problems the same way he would go 1 on 3 on a fast break. Fearlessly and with the attitude that he is unstoppable once he decides it’s his will to be. No pull up jumpers, no ball fakes. He must take this thing straight on, and finish no matter what.
Iverson has surpassed and overcome more challenges on and off the court than we will ever know while on the path to becoming an NBA superstar. The more we know and the less he hides, the more our love for him will grow and the more we will pay homage to his character.
AI has the entire world in his corner. The first step to beating addiction is deciding that he wants to beat addiction. With the cat already out of the bag, and with everyone routing for him, we can only hope he gets back on track, cleans up his life, and after doing so, only then worries about playing a little game called basketball.
With a clear head and healthy body, god only knows what level of basketball AI could continue to play at. I am 100% positive it would be better than what we have witnessed over the past 3 seasons. The body and mind feel years younger without constant alcohol abuse. It’s a fact.
Now we know what caused his decline and the deterioration of his game for the last few years. As tough as he has been, AI has unfortunately become another classic example of how years of alcohol abuse will catch up to you, no matter who you are. Even star athletes cannot escape the wrath of abusive behavior. Just ask Shawn Kemp or Vin Baker. Let’s hope AI can comeback before we have to start making those comparisons.
He was too proud to admit to it as most people with problems are. We who don’t know him personally find all of this shocking news to hear. Shame on those of you chose to be a part of the AI entourage without ever considering his well being and for not trying to help him.
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Wed, Mar 10, 2010 by Adam Sedie
News, Opinions