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. Predominantly a shooting guard and point guard, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997 and won the MVP award in 2001. An 11-time NBA All-Star, Iverson also secured two All-Star Game MVP awards. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Iverson is celebrated as one of basketball's greatest scorers, ball handlers and most influential athletes.

Sections (6)

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

February 14, 1993: Involvement in Bowling Alley Altercation

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

1995: Conviction Overturned

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

August 1997: Arrested for concealed weapon and marijuana possession

In August 1997, Iverson was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and possessing marijuana after being stopped for speeding. He pleaded no contest and received a community service sentence.

2000: All-Star Selection and Trade Attempts

In 2000, Allen Iverson was selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team and the 76ers actively tried to trade Iverson after disagreements with the coach.

2000: Recorded Rap Single "40 Bars"

In 2000, during the offseason, Iverson, under the moniker Jewelz, recorded a rap single called "40 Bars" for an album. Due to controversial lyrics alleged to contain derogatory remarks, he was unable to release it despite initially planning to change the lyrics after criticism.

2002: Practice Rant

In 2002, Allen Iverson responded to criticism for missing team practices with his infamous "practice" rant.

2002: Domestic Dispute and Gun Allegations

In 2002, 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 dropped due to lack of evidence and contradictory witness statements.

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

On February 24, 2004, Iverson urinated in a trash can at Bally's Atlantic City casino and was subsequently banned from returning by the casino management.

December 9, 2005: Casino Argument at Trump Taj Mahal

On December 9, 2005, after winning a hand at a poker table at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, Iverson was overpaid $10,000. He refused to return the money when the dealer requested it back, leading to a heated argument.

2005: Bodyguard Assault Allegation

In 2005, Iverson's bodyguard, Jason Kane, was accused of assaulting a man at a Washington, D.C. nightclub. The man, Marlin Godfrey, sued Iverson for the injuries caused by his bodyguard, even though Iverson himself did not physically assault Godfrey.

April 18, 2006: Iverson and Webber Late to Fan Appreciation Night

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

2006: Iverson Reportedly Demanded Trade

After a disappointing start to the 2006–07 NBA season, Allen Iverson reportedly demanded a trade from the Sixers, leading to him being told he would not play in any more games for the team. The trade rumors were confirmed by Sixers Chairman Ed Snider, who stated, "We're going to trade him."

January 2, 2007: Iverson Fined for Criticizing Referee

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

January 6, 2007: Game Between Nuggets and Utah Jazz

On January 6, 2007, before a game between Iverson's Nuggets and the Utah Jazz, referee Donaghy said he and the two other officials agreed not to give Iverson favorable calls as a way to "teach him a lesson."

2007: Jury Awarded $260,000 to Marlin Godfrey

In 2007, a jury awarded Marlin Godfrey $260,000 in damages as a result of the 2005 assault by Iverson's bodyguard.

March 2009: Court of Appeals Upheld Verdict

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

December 2009: Donaghy Interviewed

In December 2009, Donaghy stated in an interview with 60 minutes that he and fellow referees thought Iverson's punishment after criticizing referee Steve Javie on January 2, 2007 was too light.

2009: Bar Fight in Detroit Lawsuit

In 2009, Iverson was allegedly involved in a bar fight in Detroit, which led to a lawsuit filed in August 2011 by an Ohio man claiming assault by Iverson's security guard.

August 2011: $2.5 Million Lawsuit Dismissed

In August 2011, a federal judge dismissed a $2.5 million lawsuit against Iverson, related to a 2009 bar fight in Detroit, due to lack of evidence implicating Iverson or his bodyguard in the alleged assault.

2013: Kidnapping Accusation

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