AI/Grizzlies agree to terminate contract

[jnofx]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

Well, Allen is doing what he was signed to do. Not win games, just get us talking about the Grizzlies. Success!

On another note, this guy used to be one of my favorite players, but he has bitched and moaned his way out of my respect over the last 2 seasons.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

First AI says he and coach haven't talked about anything

Now this?!

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/nov/07/allen-iverson-leaves-grizzlies-personal-reasons/

LOS ANGELES –- The Allen Iverson saga has taken another turn as the veteran guard asked for and was granted permission to leave the Grizzlies to deal with a personal matter, according to an NBA source.

Iverson, 34, met with Griz owner Michael Heisley Friday night following the team’s 114-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The pair met again this morning, and Iverson was expected to depart for Atlanta this afternoon.

Atlanta is where Iverson lives during the offseason.

This latest development comes after Iverson played in three games since returning from a hamstring injury. Iverson came off the bench in each of those appearances and expressed his displeasure over that role all week.

It is not known when Iverson will rejoin the Grizzlies.

Iverson has averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 assists, 2.3 turnovers and 57-percent shooting in 22 minutes for the Grizzlies.

[Brankles]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

I'm going to wait to hear what his "personal reason" was before I say anything... but damn

[o_capone]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

I'm going to wait to hear what his "personal reason" was before I say anything... but damn

the personal reason is about as real as the injury that ended his time with detroit most likely lol... he was probably pissed that he only played 21 minutes...

[Brankles]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

the personal reason is about as real as the injury that ended his time with detroit most likely lol... he was probably pissed that he only played 21 minutes...

If I were you, I would quietly bow out of this thread.

[o_capone]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

After tumultuous first week, Iverson not about to apologize


Posted Nov 7 2009 2:11AM
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Even Allen Iverson is worried whether his tumultuous debut week with the Memphis Grizzlies has poisoned his relationship with another coach.

Iverson came off the bench for Memphis for the third straight game Friday night, scoring eight points in 22 minutes during the Grizzlies' 114-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.


The 10-time All-Star says he has no interest in being a reserve or playing for a rebuilding team, and he immediately made his displeasure public with several barbed comments in the days following his season debut Monday.


Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins says he understands his new veteran guard's perspective, but even Iverson thinks the two are off to a rocky start.


"I think that's probably the worst part of all this," Iverson said Friday. "That while all this is going on, we have never talked to each other. That's probably why it's at this point right now. We've just never had a conversation, so it's probably going to always be hard for me and him to see eye-to-eye, because we've never even talked to each other. Obviously that's what you do if you're trying to accomplish the same goal."


Before and after the Grizzlies' fourth straight loss, Iverson showed bemused frustration at the trouble his words have caused since he returned from a torn right hamstring. Yet he doesn't back down from them: The Answer wants to start, and he also insists nobody told him the Grizzlies would be rebuilding after a 24-58 season.


And Iverson, who was passed by Kobe Bryant for 16th place on the NBA's career scoring list Friday night, apparently doesn't feel it's his job to figure out a role in which he can help the Grizzlies.


"I'm not trying to figure out how to contribute to no team," Iverson said. "I contribute to a team by just playing. That's it. I don't have to figure it out. Obviously, they signed me for a reason. They've been watching me play this game for 13 years, and they know what I do on the basketball court, so I don't have to figure out how I'm going to play or anything like that. I just go out and play basketball."


Iverson believes his comments have caused a stir mostly because of his long history of provocative opinions and actions, from his infamous disdain for practice to a few lesser stirs in Denver and Detroit last season.


"When I hear anything about the Memphis Grizzlies, I don't hear you guys (media) talk about anything other than the situation with me coming off the bench," Iverson said. "I mean, there's got to be something else with this team to talk about besides that. But I guess that sells a lot better than anything else when it comes to this team."


Before the game, Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley shook hands with Iverson in the locker room Friday night and could be heard chatting about plans for a meeting with the veteran guard.


Heisley, who flew into Los Angeles earlier in the day, backed Hollins in the perceived dispute this week, saying the coach would handle the Grizzlies' rotation and calling Iverson's comments "inappropriate," according to The Commercial Appeal.


"Do I say all the right things all the time? I doubt it," Iverson said. "But the ultimate goal is to win games. That's the only thing it's about."


Hollins refused to speak about Iverson earlier in the week, but said Friday he has no problem with Iverson's pointed words. He also doesn't intend to have a special chat with Iverson.


"Every player has his opinion of his self-worth and what he expects, but I have to coach the whole team," Hollins said. "There's no need to talk to A.I. He's a competitor, and we're going to be fine. ... He has a right to say what he wants to say, and I have a right to say what I want."


Iverson got his first game action with the Grizzlies on Monday night in Sacramento, and he played 27 minutes off the bench against Golden State on Wednesday. Iverson entered Friday's game with 6:36 left in the first quarter, but played sparingly and spent much of the night yapping at the officials from the bench with a towel over his head.


"It's something that I never did in my life, so obviously it's a big adjustment," Iverson said of coming off the bench.


Memphis has one of the NBA's most intriguing young backcourts with Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo, but that talent hasn't translated into many victories. The Grizzlies have endured three straight losing seasons with 68 total victories following three straight trips to the playoffs.


Hollins realizes Iverson's role easily could change depending on injuries and the starters' effectiveness, but he doesn't seem inclined to promise a starting job to Iverson or any player.


"Roles change, positions change," Hollins said. "He's a prideful person that believes in himself. Every player wants to play a starting role, and a player of his caliber especially."

another article from today

[jnofx]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

I'm going to wait to hear what his "personal reason" was before I say anything... but damn

Maybe he got an advanced copy of Modern Warfare 2?

[o_capone]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

If I were you, I would quietly bow out of this thread.

if i were you, i'd do the same...

[tehova]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

I love every second of it

[J.R. Locke]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

He is a quitter? Detroit now Memphis.....speculation of course but if the reason is simply because of not starting I officially resign my position as an Iverson fan. This is just too much.

[Brankles]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

if i were you, i'd do the same...

Actually, if I were you I would probably keep defending backstabbing and quitting, which are generally just great qualities to find in a person.

[jnofx]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

There is no longer any defense for Iverson's actions anymore. Sixers became a playoff team without him, Denver vastly improved by shipping him out, and all he's doing in Memphis is bitching and taking away key developmental minutes from their young backcourt without doing any 'mentoring' whatsoever. Granted, I'm not there to watch the practice and can't comment on how much teaching he's actually doing to the young guys, but considering his comments and attitude, I'm pretty sure it's slim to none. Why doesn't he just go to Europe or something? He could have the spotlight for about a month until they realize how far past his prime he is.

[o_capone]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

Actually, if I were you I would probably keep defending backstabbing and quitting, which are generally just great qualities to find in a person.

yea, it's fun...

[Rocky]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

I'm sorry, but I agree with Iverson here.

Nobody cares about the Grizzlies without Iverson.

LET ME REITERATE....

Nobody cares about the Grizzlies without Iverson. They are not good. They won't go to the playoffs and there is not anybody on that team with any sort of star quality at all.

Iverson was likely promised a leading role. He would be the star, the man, the #1 option....and that is simply not happening. What do you expect him to do? Rot in Memphis in a role that he simply hates.

His skill level is not in question here. At this point is he a star? No. But he was told that he was going to be one if he came to Memphis and the coach/organization hasn't fulfilled on it's end of the deal.

[DC]

Re: Guess who already sounds upset in Memphis

^ So instead of bad mouthing the coaching decision to the media, why didn't he take the mature route and talk to the coach (who he STILL has yet to speak with; not saying it is his fault) one-on-one as a man?