Allen Iverson recently published his memoir, ‘Misunderstood,’ in which he addressed several aspects of his life. The 76ers legend went on a press tour with multiple interviews to promote this memoir. During his most recent appearance on ‘The Breakfast Club’ show, he was asked about his biggest regrets in his life. And one of the biggest regrets involved being too generous with his money, especially when it came to taking care of his loved ones.
“One thing about the people that you love and people that love you or are supposed to love you is they know you better than anybody. They know my heart,” said Iverson as he recalled how people close to him suddenly started having a lot of problems related to money, which they expected him to solve.
He recalled how someone on his training staff was training with him on Christmas Eve and talking about how his kids won’t have anything for Christmas. As generous as Iverson was at the time, considering that he felt money was not an issue, he indicated that he stepped in and helped him out at the time, which he now seems to regret.
“And I had the mother and the father who hustled to get us what they could, but they couldn’t get us things. You know, I wanted a moped for Christmas. I wanted certain things. And then you wake up that morning, and it’s not there. You know, you may have a a you know, pair of sneakers or a t-shirt, and that’s the only thing you get. You know what I mean? So, you know, I ain’t never want my homeboy kids to you know, look at them crazy,” Iverson further explained.
“I’ve run into the craziest sh*t, but years ago, you know, money got funny, you know what I mean? And you know, I had realized at a point that I ain’t have the word no in my vocabulary when it comes to people. You know what I mean? I never held anybody accountable for why I had to be the one taking care of everybody. You know what I mean?”
“I was the one going to work every single day. I was breaking bones, stitches, 100 stitches in my face. You know what I mean? And it just taught me a lot, man,” said Iverson in conclusion.
Iverson filed for bankruptcy just two years after he retired from the NBA in 2013 with career earnings of over $350 million, which included $154 million in salaries and over $200 million in endorsements. Nearly a decade after that, he has now revived his financial position and become the vice president of Reebok basketball with Shaquille O’Neal to bring life back into his business career after retirement.
A rollercoaster of a journey that leaves nothing but an inspiring legacy for his followers. Giving everything you have to your loved ones and making a comeback like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, Iverson found perfection in his imperfections and is still considered a role model legend for the younger generation of players.
