Allen Iverson took an “ass whoopin” for NBA players of today
By Dan Israeli
The new Hall-of-Famer tells Stephen Colbert about paving the way for the NBA’s self-expression era
Newly minted Hall-of-Famer Allen Iverson dropped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday night to discuss his NBA career, specifically the controversies that riddled his public persona.
After appearing very emotional during his induction speech last Friday, AI was cool and collected on the late night talk show, even dropping a little crossover on Colbert before taking his seat on the stage.
Iverson discussed another crossover – the infamous one he put on Michael Jordan – which to Colbert’s shock took place during AI’s rookie season.
“How many years had you been in the NBA when you went up against Michael like that?” the host asked. “That was my first year,” The Answer answered. He went on to say that young kids today address him more often as “the guy who crossed up Michael Jordan” than his actual name.
The highlight of the interview came when Colbert addressed the criticism Iverson faced, especially in the early part of his career, over his “thug” style that included tattoos and cornrows on the court. (Not to mention the criticism he received for his post-game press conference attire.)
“I took the ass whooping for these guys today to be able to be themselves” -Iverson
“Now players can do anything they want, they can have any style they want,” Colbert said. “LeBron can be all tatted-out and nobody says anything. Do you think they owe a little debt to you for being your real self?”
Iverson described it is a “bittersweet” moment in his career, being a 21-year-old youngster just entering the NBA.
“I took the ass whooping for these guys today to be able to be themselves,” Iverson said. “I wasn’t afraid to be who I am.”
Iverson went on to say he’s not the person the media makes him out to be, and that to them “a negative Allen Iverson story is the greatest Allen Iverson story.” The legend said the media rather not discuss his contributions to AIDS awareness and the Boys & Girls Club of America, or volunteering work he does on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The interview was a very candid look into the heart of a man who many agree has been misunderstood. It’s fair to say a whole generation of players can thank AI for paving the way for them and changing the culture of the NBA.