Major Controversies Surrounding Allen Iverson: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Allen Iverson—discover key moments of controversy.

Allen Iverson, nicknamed "The Answer," is a retired American professional basketball player who played 14 seasons in the NBA. Primarily a shooting and point guard, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997 with the Philadelphia 76ers. An 11-time NBA All-Star, Iverson earned All-Star Game MVP awards in 2001 and 2005, and was the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2001. His achievements led to his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, and he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Iverson is widely recognized as one of basketball's greatest scorers and ball handlers, as well as 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: Bowling Alley Altercation

On February 14, 1993, Allen Iverson and his friends were involved in an altercation at a bowling alley in Hampton, Virginia. He was later convicted of maiming by mob.

1995: Conviction Overturned

In 1995, Allen Iverson's conviction was overturned by the Virginia Court of Appeals for insufficient evidence after serving four months at Newport News City Farm.

August 1997: Arrest for concealed weapon and marijuana possession

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

2000: Iverson records "40 Bars" rap single

In 2000, during the offseason, Allen Iverson recorded a rap single called "40 Bars" under the moniker Jewelz, which was alleged to contain derogatory remarks about homosexuals. The controversy surrounding the lyrics led to him being unable to release the album, despite initially agreeing to change the lyrics after criticism from activist groups and NBA Commissioner David Stern.

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2002: Practice Rant

In 2002, After the Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs 3–2, Brown criticized Iverson for missing team practices, leading to Iverson's infamous "practice" rant.

2002: Domestic dispute and alleged threats with a gun

In 2002, Allen Iverson was alleged to have thrown his wife, Tawanna, out of their home after a domestic dispute. He was also accused of threatening two men with a gun while looking for her. All charges against him were later dropped due to lack of evidence and contradictory witness statements.

February 24, 2004: Incident at Bally's Atlantic City Casino

On February 24, 2004, Allen Iverson urinated in a trash can at Bally's Atlantic City casino and was subsequently told by casino management not to return.

December 9, 2005: Dispute at Trump Taj Mahal Casino

On December 9, 2005, after a Sixers game, Allen Iverson visited the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. He was overpaid $10,000 in chips at a three-card-stud poker table, and refused to return the money when the dealer realized the mistake, leading to a heated argument.

2005: Iverson's Bodyguard Accused of Assault

In 2005, Allen Iverson's bodyguard, Jason Kane, was accused of assaulting a man at a Washington, D.C. nightclub after the man refused to leave the VIP section for Iverson's entourage. The man, Marlin Godfrey, suffered significant injuries, and although Iverson did not physically harm Godfrey, Godfrey sued Iverson for the injuries caused by his bodyguard.

April 18, 2006: Iverson Arrives Late to Fan Appreciation Night

On April 18, 2006, Iverson and Chris Webber arrived late to the Sixers' fan appreciation night and home game finale, resulting in fines for both players. Trade rumors also circulated during the offseason.

2006: Iverson Reportedly Demands Trade

During the 2006-07 NBA season, after a disappointing start, Iverson reportedly demanded a trade from the Sixers, leading to the team confirming they would trade him.

January 2, 2007: Iverson Fined for Criticizing Referee Steve Javie

Following a game on January 2, 2007, between the Nuggets and the 76ers, Iverson was fined $25,000 by the NBA for criticizing referee Steve Javie after being ejected from the game.

January 6, 2007: Referees Allegedly Planned Unfavorable Calls Against Iverson

Before Iverson's Nuggets played the Utah Jazz on January 6, 2007, referee Donaghy claimed that he and two other officials agreed not to give Iverson favorable calls as a way to "teach him a lesson."

2007: Jury Awards Damages in Assault Case

In 2007, a jury awarded Marlin Godfrey $260,000 in damages for the injuries he sustained in the 2005 assault by Allen Iverson's bodyguard at a Washington, D.C. nightclub.

March 2009: Verdict Upheld on Appeal in Assault Case

In March 2009, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the 2007 verdict awarding Marlin Godfrey $260,000 in damages for the injuries caused by Allen Iverson's bodyguard in 2005.

December 2009: Donaghy's Interview with 60 Minutes

In a December 2009 interview with 60 Minutes, Donaghy said he and fellow referees thought the punishment for Iverson was too light.

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2009: Alleged Bar Fight in Detroit

In 2009, an alleged bar fight involving Allen Iverson's security guard took place in Detroit, leading to a lawsuit in August 2011.

August 2011: $2.5 Million Lawsuit Dismissed

In August 2011, a federal judge dismissed a $2.5 million lawsuit against Allen Iverson, filed by an Ohio man who claimed Iverson's security guard assaulted him in a 2009 bar fight in Detroit. The judge found no evidence that Iverson or his bodyguard struck the plaintiff.

2013: Accusation of Kidnapping Children

In 2013, Allen Iverson was accused of kidnapping his children and refusing to return them to their mother, Tawanna Iverson. He denied the claim, and his ex-wife later recanted.