Hate to take everyone away from football thoughts, but Allen Iverson just did the unthinkable - he absolutely earned my respect. I have always respected his abilities, his willingness to play hurt and his exceptional will to win. Iverson is a true gamer and a winner. But, it was not until this afternoon that he won me over with his thoughts, his words, his true love for the game of basketball and his feelings about those who passed on the opportunity to play in the Olympics and represent this great country. Many were worried about their safety, but the only thing damaged is reputation. Hats off to you, Allen Iverson... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5851082/
That is what I was saying on the USA thread. The real story is the volunteers of the military that die everyday for their country compared to the spoiled babies who have everything they ever wanted and they don't go play a stupid game to represent thier country. They should've been honored to go at anytime but especially right now when our soldiers are dying for thier country!
I have always had respect for Iverson. He has had his few problems in the past with the weed and stuff, but make no mistake he is a TRUE AMERICAN. I am glad he called out the other NBA players who didn't want to come. Very few players in the NBA with a will to win more than Iverson.
He speaks his thoughts instead of giving the media bland answers that have no real meaning. I loved his press conference speech that about being late for practice a while back. "Practice? We're talking about practice? Not the game? Practice?"
People bash Iverson all the time, and they don't even know anything about the guy. They just judge him on his appearance and sound bites. I'm glad he made those statements.
Iverson has matured over the last few seasons and it is obvious that he is proud of his country. But make no mistake that Iverson plays by his own rules. Here are two lines about Iverson from an article written by M.J. Darnell on insidehoops.com: On the first day of practice, Iverson was rocking a stars and stripes skull cap, and even had sewn little USA flags into the tongues of his Reeboks. It was a beautiful thing. Imagine that. But Iverson had been dying to represent his country, to be accepted. He lobbied quietly and respectfully for inclusion, but would not beg; nor would he change himself.
