Breaking News: Grizzlies and Iverson Agree To End Contract
While earlier today Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley was saying that Allen Iverson had to decide by the end of the week whether he’d play or retire, it appears the verdict is in: He’s out. According to the Twitter feed for the Memphis Commercial Appeal‘s Grizzlies blog, The Memphis Edge, Memphis and Iverson have agreed to end the contract. Sources say Iverson will be waived.
We’ll keep you posted as more details unfold, but what’s your initial reaction?
Source: @CAGrizBlog
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November 16th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Mr. TKO says:
This just shows that Iverson (and me) is a damn fool. This was his chance at redeeming his name, even though people were blaming him for what happened in Detroit, people were starting to come out and say that Iverson was lied to in Detroit and that maybe he just needed a chance to prove himself. So iverson should have realized that when nobody wanted him but Memphis, that this was his best chance to prove the doubters wrong again, and show that he wasn’t as difficult as he had been made out to be.
Too bad AI couldn’t even last one game before p[roving all the haters wrong.
I’m mad cuz I’ve been defending that man this whole season and I’ve been an Iverson hater since his days in Philly when people tride to say that he was better than my boy Kobe. For me to do a 180 and support him is something I never thought I would see.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
LakeShow84 says:
My Initial Reaction??
Guess the crybaby got his way..
November 16th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Maynard says:
Not a shock. Marbury 2.0, seems like. When the end comes, it comes fast.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Jake says:
AI, please just go away.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Rockets says:
How does the money work if he gets waived? Will he pretty much be a free agent that anyone can sign?
November 16th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Young Jo says:
I Hope Its not the End… it will be a sad ending…
Love U A.I!!!
November 16th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
ERIC says:
In an ideal world there are a few real options for Iverson:
-Sixers: (as was written in a previous Dime post last week), start off the bench behind Lou Williams, then be bumped to the starting lineup after clearly being the better player.
-Bobcats: i know they just got [former] Capt Jack but AI and Larry Brown share a history that would be great in helping revive the ‘cats attendance.
-Knicks: AI can start, get ample shots, and bring some excitement to the garden that is seriously lacking for a 1-9 squad.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Jeronimo says:
Wow, that was quick.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
The Journeyman says:
BOOOOO Iverson
Sucka for real!
November 16th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
itsakademiks says:
ehhhh its best for both sides. i dont think his career over tho…..
November 16th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Dagomar says:
My initial reaction is sadness. I never liked him in his prime and his game has always had holes that mostly grew out of his ego. However, he was one of the greats, not just in terms of the way he played but in terms of his attitude. I’m thinking he’s done with the league.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Mya says:
He’s done! He was @ the 12 hotel here in ATL ON sat with a group full of babes who were not his wife .I can see his bankruptcy story coming sometime in the next three years ..This is soo sad , but with no real guidance , its hard to listen to people ..
November 16th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
quest??? says:
I think that if iverson was willing to get waived, that means that probably some teams have been in contact with his agent about his services, otherwise he really retired.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
ProphetGK says:
YES! Now he can get picked up by a real team…
November 16th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Coyote says:
Hall of famer that doesn’t necesarily help win games. He’s 6 ft 165lbs. There will never be another player his size that will be a 30ppg guy and a triple double threat every single night and nobody ever played any harder than AI. People complain about his ego but how else is a little midget going to put up numbers like that in the NBA? For instance, Brandon Jennings is trying to do his best Iverson impersonation.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
L-Dubb says:
Damn it Iverson. You messing everything up now. Who’s going to sign you now? Correction: What playoff team or championship caliber team is going to sign you? I hope nobody does. Correction: I hope AI does not get a ring. He doesn’t deserve it at this point.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
David Brandon says:
damn…i’m really just tryna figure out whats next for allen. i love the way he lays it all out on the court, but this is getting to point where it seems it’ll really be beyond fixing. i’ve never seen him as a cancer before, but when the GRIZZLIES can’t make it work, then who will? someone in another thread said he’s gonna end up like spree. at the time i wasnt sure if that correlation was accurate, but its kind of along those lines now. who’s gonna wanna touch him? it just seems like after all he’s done to contribute to the league over his tenure, he’s doing just the same amount on the other end of the spectrum to ruin it. its almost like he cares so much about getting his way, any team won’t benefit. how come guys like manu, JET, jamal, etc… can come off the bench for the better of the team, but allen is so adamant in his approach to make sure that doesnt happen to him? its crazy man. and its just kinda sad to see a guy we all held in such a high esteem fall so far b/c of himself.
on a brighter side, maybe haddadi gets some tick now. lol
November 16th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
zaboo says:
I think the Griz might still be liable for his contract unless he gets picked up by another team…at least that’s how it is on nba live.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
SparkyJay23 says:
What are the rules regarding AI training with a team?
I bet he sits till the all star break the waits for a stating guard to go down then seps in for a half season.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Shrink This says:
What a disaster.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
POPPI GEE says:
Good now go to a place where you know beyond a shadow of a doubt you will start and go to a place where you will likely get a ring.
LA and Cleveland need to ya boy ON!
November 16th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
isotope says:
He should go play in Europe for a year and then come back next year.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Octopus Jonny says:
Quit comparing Brandon Jennings to AI…maybe his skill level and size, but attitude wise they’re polar opposites. Everything Jennings says is all about the team and winning, none of this “I” shit.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
rangerjohn says:
for once i agree with lakeshow. your not supposed to let the cry babies get their way, how else are they supposed to learn?
November 16th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
hahns says:
i dont understand…didnt AI and the Griz discuss whether or not AI would be starting before they signed the contract??? Didn’t the Griz realize that AI wanted to start and that he’d throw a fit like he did in Detroit if he didn’t? Didn’t AI make it clear that he didn’t want to ride on the bench?
HOW THEY LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN?! holy cow…..someone needs to get fired..AI already did..
November 16th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Lucas says:
Can’t see him in the NBA anymore. Poor A.I, I feel bad for the guy. Europe would be a great idea though, his game fits the description.
November 16th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
ERIC says:
In AI’s interview with ESPN last month he discussed that nothing really chnaged in his game between Denver and now. In Detroit then traded him and stuck him to the bench when a crappy coach (even Tay, RIP, and Dumars agree) messed up the rotation.
Thats not AI’s fault. That does not make him a bench player. Iverson may not be the fastest in the league anymore.. but he’s still prob top 15 ball handlers and can still get off any shot he wants. He can still be a starter and avg 18+ ppg.
The question is what team has a legit open starting slot for him?
November 16th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Mark says:
#2 and #13 nailed it. AI is garbage!
November 16th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
the cynic says:
Jennings already directs an offense better then Iverson, the comparison is retarded. AI is a 2 guard; Jennings is a 1
November 16th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Ehis Murphy says:
Only in mempis this happens. The worst franchise in sports. Took your coach over AI
November 16th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
mcw88 says:
@12
by triple double, u mean points, assists and turnovers rite?
@14
Huh? AI going to Memphis was always going to be a disaster, theres just not enough ball to go around. I am amazed that ppl actually thought that deal would work.
@24
At this point in the season, every team thinks they are a chance to make the playoffs (see. Kings who are 5-4), combined that with AI’s reputation and the undeniable fact that he has bein on 3 different teams since 06…its understandable why ppl don’t want to take a chance with him
November 16th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
BiG ShoT BoB says:
So what’s waived mean? Does that mean he’s trying to sign elsewhere or that he’s intending to retire?
November 16th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
mike says:
just bring him to Toronto so we can lose games 140-135 instead of 120-115
November 16th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
air 23 says:
A.I. is simply too damn hardheaded and egotistical. Yeah he put up good scoring numbers during his career. But he’s always been a 1 playing the 2 spot. I watched Larry Brown turn Chauncey into a legit 1 and if A.I. didn’t listen to LB after all of their years together then it probably should be over for him. LB is one of the best ever.
Uncoachable is what comes to mind. LB tried him at the 1 and nobody else got the ball! He’s got so much skill (shoot, drive, pass, steal), but he’ll never be a winner unless he learns how to run a team as the QB.
I guess if you’re him though, he had a lot of fun in the league and made enough money that he can spend the rest of his days being the A.I. that he loves to be. And he’ll never have to listen to anybody.
November 16th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Gunner J. Matthews says:
It wasnt a matter of if but when this would happen in this situation. Charlotte just got Captain Jack. They should give AI a call.
November 16th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Diggity Dave says:
No one is going to touch Iverson. Him and his ego can cuddle up and watch “For The Love of Ray J 2″. Sprewell should be ecstatic, Iverson just took his jackass crown.
November 16th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
BiG ShoT BoB says:
@air 23…I hear you that boy A.I. like – “Wait till I get my MONEY RIGHT then you CAN”T TELL ME NOTHIN RIGHT”
November 16th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
God Body/Bodyguard says:
All you dude’s hating on Iverson sound mad gay.
November 16th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
jksonics says:
Iverson legacy – FAIL
November 16th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
S-SiN says:
Been a huge Allen Iverson fan for 14 years, but at this point I’m not sure he himself gives a shit anymore. If he does and feels he’s got shit to prove (and that’s what his fanbase realy is hoping for) than there’s no doubt he deserves another chance.
BTW people compare A.I. to Jennings not because their attitudes are similar, but because of the speed, flair and raw excitement both posess on the floor. That’s clear as hell to me, and I see more similarities between the two. Hell, Brandon’s shoe adds to me look like AI’s from year 2 or 3 in the L..
November 16th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
justlovethegame says:
I hope something else works out for him. l’d really hate to see him go this way.
WE LOVE YOU AI!!!!!!!!!!
November 16th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
quest??? says:
donnie walsh confirmed interest in allen iverson!
November 16th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
QQ says:
Can’t wait for another Iverson article on Dime on how he can still help a number of teams in the NBA right now. Start typin Dime!
November 16th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Tig obamo says:
yooo denver can sign my boy or maybe cleveland or da lakers or da nets…..
November 16th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
pitball says:
@quest??? why the hell not, the knicks are just a sideshow this year anyways…might as well put AI in blue and orange to keep New Yorkers entertained for the next 6 months.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
bluv says:
YES! Now he can get picked up by a real team…Grizz are a joke of a franchise. And Detroit used AI as scapegoat.
AI to Cavs makes most sense to me. He needs to go to a contender.
Maybe a return back to Philly. Or even Denver they could get rid of Anthony Carter and make the Pistons look like chumps.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
yeah right says:
Cuban should sign him for Dallas .. he’s surely better than Beaubois (rookie starting for Josh Howard who’s injured all the time). If Howard comes back, he and Beaubois and JJ should play in the second five.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
addie says:
I am a huge allen iverson fan.I think memphis was stupid to have a superstar player like a.I sitting on the bench when their not winning games.that was not the right fit for him.now hopefully miami heat will snatch him up because that is the perfect team for him.god bless.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
jzsmoove says:
I’m confused. Which one is the punchline? the Grizzlies or Iverson?
November 16th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
freshouttatime says:
i’m sure someone said it already, but the knicks should def pick him up on a 1 year or whatever minimum and run with it. as it currently stands i have lost good will towards the organization, AI in NY would at the very least give something for ny fans to look towards
November 17th, 2009 at 12:35 am
jace says:
to be honest.. i dont think he’ll mesh well with the sixers even if they wanted him… buttt.. i would say its still his best option… so thats not saying much about his situation…
dunno if any major veteran (championship contending) teams want him… but he would almost definitely have to take a backseat on a veteran team… which u kno he doesn’t like.
November 17th, 2009 at 1:41 am
Big V says:
The Knicks need to sign him to a one-year deal. He’s perfect as a hired gun to step in and score, win a couple of games, and sell some tickets in what’s otherwise a throw-away year for the Knicks.
Wait til the summer, see what happens with free agency and decide whether to keep him or not. No risk, and a decent reward. Makes sense to me.
November 17th, 2009 at 3:40 am
s.e. says:
I’m quickly coming to the conclusion that I can love Iverson as a player and respect his individualism to some degree, but still think he’s a jackass. With this whole Grizz situation he’s made himself into a joke, far more so than taking a lesser role on the team which probably would’ve actually earned him respect. We don’t really know how the situation came about so basically any reaction we have is just speculation, but AI is looking bad.
November 17th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Josh says:
Like chick flicks = Lame, boring & predictable
November 17th, 2009 at 8:59 am
OKENE EDWARD says:
I HATE TO SAY THIS, BUT I THINK A.I, YOU HAVE MY DUE RESPECT TILL DEATH, YOU MADE ME BELIEVE THAT GREATNESS IS NOT ABOUT SIZE BUT HOW BIG YOUR HEART AND MOTIVATION IS. YOU HAVE A GREAT NBA CAREER AND I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, BUT I BELIEVE AI CAN STILL GIVE MORE TO THE GAME OF BASKETBALL AND I WISH HIM WELL BECAUSE IT AINT OVER YET FOR AI.
November 17th, 2009 at 10:38 am
NTstateOFmind says:
whos advising AI …sprewell???
November 17th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Nautix says:
Iverson will probably sign with a contender as well. He has a valid point that if he is the best player at his position on the team, he should start. Maybe Iverson could sign with the celtics and take up PG duties for the 2nd unit and play with Eddie House, Marquis Daniels, Glen Davis, Rasheed Wallace on the 2nd unit and get about 20-25 mins of playing time. I think Iverson won’t mind coming off the bench for a star player like Rondo, Parker, Williams, Nash, Billups, Paul if he will get good playing time and also be playing for a contender. Memphis would never workout because A) They can’t contend, B) He was coming off the bench for an inferior player, but with the other PG’s Iverson believes they are just as good as he is or maybe even better so Iverson could end up with a contender with a star pg. Wait and see.
November 17th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
bluv says:
Allen Iverson deserves better from the NBA. ESPN shows AI points are down but fails to mention his minutes are down too so what is supposed to happen?
Tell me how a bum like Anthony Carter has a job and not AI?
AI to Cavs is still the best option for AI. He would be wasting his time on Philly, Knicks, Bobcats…he needs to at least go to a legit playoff team and have a chance at a ring.
All these NBA teams USE AI to sell jerseys and tickets and then turn their backs on him and make him out to be over the hill and team killer.
How about Philly and the lack of talent they surrounded AI with and how many coaching changes since AI left but he was the problem? How about George Karl, has he ever beaten Lakers in playoffs? How about the rookie coach in Detroit and putting Stuckey over AI and having no plan to use AI? How about the Grizz making AI come off bench despite him being the best player on the team right now?
All these teams use AI then toss him aside and use him as a scapegoat for their mistakes and shortcomings as organizations.
November 18th, 2009 at 9:20 am
AdvancedMind says:
Wow holy low basketball IQ…
He doesnt start because he has horrible shot selection and he makes your team worse because “POINT GUARDS” dont score 30 a game, its great if hes a shooting guard at 6’6 but who is A.I guarding on the defensive side????? Nobody at all, his fake hustle is a product of him trying to get the basketball so he can score, REAL HUSTLE is on both sides of the court not just on offense. Numbers lie, and this isnt 1997 anymore, where A.I had a palming cross over and a orginaztion willing to let him jack 40 shots a game up while letting Eric Snow handle his defensive assignment.
Too bad hes not gone for ever, cause the Knicks are going to be dumb enough to sign this useless SHIT BIRD ass.
November 18th, 2009 at 10:31 am
AdvancedMind says:
@ 58
You cant actually say that out loud because you have A.I’s nuts in your mouth, so while hes tea bagging you, im amazed at your multi tasking skills. Being tea bagged while typing garbage is trully amazing.
Everybody elses fault?
“Practice, we talking bout practice?” lol. loser
November 19th, 2009 at 11:40 am
ricky rank says:
BRING HIM TO HOUSTON!!!!