<div align="center"> </div> A bit old, but nonetheless powerful. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">It wasn't quite Maurice Cheeks saving that girl with the national anthem last season. But one of the NBA's best moments occurred last week when Larry Brown, in a typical hole because of criticism of Allen Iverson before he returned to Philadelphia, was saved by none other than Iverson. Yes, it was the face of All That Is Wrong With Sports who saved a night from becoming ugly - this was Philadelphia, after all_by hugging Brown and then puncturing the balloon of controversy Brown had inflated. "He just apologized to me for everything that has been going on," Iverson said afterward. "I told him not to worry about that, and good luck. I told him I cared about him and that I wished him well, just not tonight." Yes, the NBA player often identified with the back alleys of human behavior took the high road and continues to defuse his detractors and disprove his reputation. "Allen is having an MVP season," 76ers general manager Billy King said. "Sure, he's scoring, getting assists, steals, but with all the injuries, he's keeping us afloat. And people also are getting to know him and appreciating who he really is." When the Bulls arrive in Philadelphia on Thursday night to play the 76ers, they will encounter the man - and whoever thought we would see him that way - who may be the NBA's best overall player. He's one of the few stars not cracking under the pressures of his stature in the sport. Tracy McGrady is losing like no top star ever has and pointing in lots of directions. Kobe Bryant hopes to do well in criminal court, but the court of public opinion is wondering about him after the way he savaged teammate Shaquille O'Neal. Paul Pierce is whining about a lack of support and "soft" teammates. Vince Carter cried for a trade to get help. Meanwhile, Iverson's 76ers have been decimated by injuries to starters and even their replacements, with Derrick Coleman (due back Thursday), Glenn Robinson, Todd MacCullough and Monty Williams out as well as replacement Marc Jackson. Amid this, Iverson has gone about with the most impressive play in the NBA. There's talk of the Hornets' Baron Davis as MVP but no one has excelled like Iverson. He leads the league in scoring at 28.8 per game, a whopping 4.5 points ahead of runner-up Davis. If that held up, it would be the largest margin between the top scorer and the second best since 1987 when Michael Jordan finished 8.1 points per game ahead of Dominique Wilkins. Iverson also is first in steals, first in minutes played at a Chamberlain-like 43.7 per game, first in free throws made and seventh in assists with almost four rebounds per game. He already has had a 50-point game and his 33 points, 11 assists and eight steals against the Bulls last month was one of the most complete games of his career. His performance has kept the 76ers competitive, which in the Atlantic Division means first place with less than a .500 record. But it has been more than his play that has elevated the indefatigable Iverson. After all, he does have an MVP award. What he always hasn't had is the respect of the basketball community. No, it wasn't the braids, tattoos and occasional arrest or the buddies who look like they come out of stir. The lack of respect came from poor discipline, disdain and the cinder block-on-his shoulder attitude. OK, Iverson was fined the other day for showing one of his fingers to the crowd in Milwaukee. But face it, who hasn't wanted to do that when in Milwaukee in late November? Iverson took the fine and was contrite. No one wants him to lose his spirit or even his defiance. And, OK, perhaps he's late for a practice here and there. With the beating he takes in games and what he's asked to do, however, it's remarkable he can practice at all. If anyone is heading for a shortened career, it's Iverson_and no one seems to be trying to get there quicker. What seemingly has taken longer for his personal development has been worth waiting for this truly remarkable player.</div> Sam Smith Chicago Tribune Full Article
Iverson has respect everywhere. Yea that article is powerful, and shows that someone has that much respect for him...but he has gotten respect, don't see where he hasn't.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">OK, Iverson was fined the other day for showing one of his fingers to the crowd in Milwaukee. But face it, who hasn't wanted to do that when in Milwaukee in late November? Iverson took the fine and was contrite. No one wants him to lose his spirit or even his defiance.</div> Haha sooo true, way to go AI.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MVPlaya:</div><div class="quote_post">Iverson has respect everywhere. Yea that article is powerful, and shows that someone has that much respect for him...but he has gotten respect, don't see where he hasn't.</div> I don't believe he has, at least from mainstream America. Many fans of the game, older white males, not to pick races, but that's usually the concensus, look at him as a thug. I know what most of you are thinking, this has been said thousands of times, but it still remains true to this day, at least in my eyes.
