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 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.

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.

2000: Iverson Records "40 Bars" Rap Single

In 2000, Allen Iverson, under the moniker Jewelz, recorded a rap single called "40 Bars". Due to controversial lyrics, particularly derogatory remarks about homosexuals, the album was not released despite initial plans and revisions.

2002: Second Consecutive Scoring Title and Controversy

In 2002, Allen Iverson earned his second consecutive scoring title, averaging 31.4 points per game. After the Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, Iverson responded to criticism regarding missed practices by going on a rant.

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.

February 24, 2004: Iverson Banned from Bally's Atlantic City Casino

On February 24, 2004, Allen Iverson was banned from Bally's Atlantic City casino for urinating in a trash can.

December 9, 2005: Iverson Involved in Dispute at Trump Taj Mahal Casino

On December 9, 2005, Allen Iverson was involved in a dispute at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City after refusing to return $10,000 in chips that a dealer had mistakenly overpaid him. Casino regulations required him to return the mistakenly paid money.

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. The man sued Iverson for the injuries caused by his bodyguard.

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 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.

2007: Jury Awards Damages in Lawsuit Against Iverson's Bodyguard

In 2007, a jury awarded Marlin Godfrey $260,000 in damages for injuries caused by Allen Iverson's bodyguard, Jason Kane, in a 2005 nightclub assault.

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.

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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2009: Alleged Bar Fight Involving Iverson's Security

In 2009, a bar fight in Detroit allegedly involved Allen Iverson's security, leading to a lawsuit against Iverson in 2011.

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.