Gotta Love Allen Iverson Rolling In 90 Min Late To His HOF Press Conference Then Tearing Up While Describing His Teammates And Coaches

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Allen Iverson was about 90 minutes late for his own Hall of Fame induction news conference. Iverson fought so hard to get that bright orange approval stamp on his illustrious career, to reach the pinnacle that his numerous detractors never saw coming, and he couldn’t even show up on time. The ceremony was delayed before he was declared a no-show. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame chairman Jerry Colangelo sat for an interview in a not-so-transparent stall tactic, but the show had to go on. The other members of the stellar 2016 class – which includes Shaquille O’Neal, Yao Ming, Sheryl Swoopes and Tom Izzo – couldn’t go by Iverson Time to receive their newly designed “Naismith Orange” jackets. Iverson’s absence was later explained as a travel mishap that would be cleared up before Friday’s induction ceremony. But any disappointment or eye-rolling about Iverson missing part of a moment he earned against long odds could easily be diffused with one simple fact: Allen Iverson is going to always be Allen Iverson. The surprise would’ve been if Iverson weren’t tardy.

90 min late because of a “Travel Mishap”. Suuurrreeeee. That’s a weird way to describe happy hour at TGIFridays. Regardless, all of this is vintage AI. The Answer may only show up when and where he wants in life but when he’s there, he lays it all out on the line. And I love it. Some things never change. AI just showing up in his finest stone washed jeans, t-shirt, and Mr. T chains for the press conference of the respected honor of his professional career. If you couldn’t get this man (who famously would buy and throw away a new wardrobe on every road trip) to dress up in his prime there’s no way he’s doing it in retirement. Nobody is ever going to tell AI what he can and can’t do, and you have to respect it to a point.

But lost in the fact is Allen Iverson is officially a first ballot Hall Of Fame NBA Player, and he will be enshrined with the greats this evening. I, Philadelphia, and basically every living human should be anticipating a speech (and wardrobe) for the ages. I just hope he lays off the majority of the booze till after the spotlight is over. Which, yes, is hoping for a lot. Drunk tears or not, the waterworks will be flowing from AI. And for good reason. The man has been through a lot (you’re goddamn right I’m posting an hour documentary on The Answer at 9:40 in the morning. Happy Friday.).