Challenges in the Life of Allen Iverson in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Allen Iverson's life and career.

Allen Iverson, nicknamed "The Answer," is a retired American professional basketball player who played 14 seasons in the NBA. Primarily a shooting guard and point guard, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997 with the Philadelphia 76ers. Iverson was an 11-time NBA All-Star, earning All-Star Game MVP honors twice, and was the NBA's MVP in 2001. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Regarded as one of basketball's greatest scorers and ball handlers, Iverson is considered one of the most influential athletes in American sports.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

February 14, 1993: Involved in Bowling Alley Altercation

On February 14, 1993, Allen Iverson and several friends were involved in an altercation at a bowling alley in Hampton, Virginia, leading to his arrest and conviction.

1995: Conviction Overturned

In 1995, Allen Iverson's conviction was overturned by the Virginia Court of Appeals due to insufficient evidence, after serving four months in a correctional facility.

August 1997: Iverson Arrested for Weapon and Marijuana Possession

In August 1997, Allen Iverson was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana after being stopped for speeding. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to community service.

1998: Sixers missed the postseason

In 1998, The Sixers missed the postseason for the first time since 1998.

2000: 76ers Tried to Trade Iverson

In the 2000 off-season, the 76ers tried to trade Allen Iverson due to disagreements with coach Larry Brown, nearly trading him to the Detroit Pistons before a player refused to waive his trade kicker.

2002: Iverson Accused of Domestic Dispute and Threatening Men

In 2002, Allen Iverson was accused of throwing his wife out of their home after a domestic dispute and later threatening two men with a gun. However, all charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence and contradictory witness statements.

2002: Poor Season Start for Sixers

The 2002-2003 season started poorly for the Sixers, due to the trade of Dikembe Mutombo and decreases in production from key players.

2003: Randy Ayers became the coach of the 76ers

In 2003, Randy Ayers became the next coach of the 76ers, but was fired after a 21-31 start to the season due to failing to develop any chemistry with his players. During the latter part of the 2003–04 NBA season, Iverson bristled under the disciplinarian approach of the Sixers' interim head coach Chris Ford, leading to suspensions and fines.

April 18, 2006: Iverson and Webber fined

On April 18, 2006, Iverson and Chris Webber arrived late to the Sixers' fan appreciation night and home game finale. As a result, both were fined.

2006: Iverson averaged career-high 33.0 points per game

During the 2005–2006 season, Iverson averaged a career-high 33.0 points per game. However, the Sixers missed the playoffs for the second time in three years.

2006: Iverson reportedly demanded a trade

In 2006, after a disappointing start to the season, Allen Iverson reportedly demanded a trade from the Sixers, leading to the confirmation of trade rumors and his exclusion from further games.

January 2, 2007: Iverson fined for criticizing referee Steve Javie

On January 2, 2007, Allen Iverson was fined $25,000 by the NBA for criticizing referee Steve Javie following a game between the Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers, after being ejected from the game for two technical fouls.

January 6, 2007: Referees agreed not to give Iverson favorable calls

On January 6, 2007, before a game between Iverson's Nuggets and the Utah Jazz, referee Donaghy stated that he and the two other officials working the game agreed not to give Iverson favorable calls.

March 2009: Verdict Upheld in Lawsuit Against Iverson's Bodyguard

In March 2009, the United States Court of Appeals upheld a verdict from 2007 ordering Jason Kane, Allen Iverson's bodyguard, to pay Marlin Godfrey $260,000 in damages for injuries sustained in a 2005 nightclub assault.

April 3, 2009: Iverson would not play the remainder of the 2008-09 season

On April 3, 2009, it was announced that Allen Iverson would not play the remainder of the 2008–09 season due to an ongoing back injury. Allen Iverson stated publicly that he'd rather retire than be moved to the bench as Pistons coach Michael Curry had decided.

November 7, 2009: Iverson left the Memphis Grizzlies

On November 7, 2009, Allen Iverson left the Memphis Grizzlies for "personal reasons", expressing his displeasure at being a bench player.

December 2009: Donaghy 60 Minutes interview

In December 2009, referee Donaghy revealed in an interview with 60 Minutes that he and fellow referees thought the punishment for Allen Iverson criticizing referee Steve Javie in January 2007 was too light.

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February 22, 2010: Iverson left the 76ers indefinitely

On February 22, 2010, Allen Iverson left the 76ers indefinitely, citing the need to attend to his daughter Messiah's health issues, which years later he revealed as Kawasaki Disease.

January 2011: Iverson returned to the United States for calf surgery

In January 2011, Allen Iverson returned to the United States for calf surgery. He only played ten games for Beşiktaş that season, and did not play professional basketball after that.

August 2011: Iverson Sued for 2009 Bar Fight

In August 2011, an Ohio man sued Allen Iverson for $2.5 million, claiming Iverson's security guard assaulted him in a 2009 bar fight in Detroit. However, the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence against Iverson or his bodyguard.