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Iversons Turkey Debute playing for Cola Turka |
Allen Iverson the once a great player amongst the NBA, has fallen into some financial troubles since his retirement. Its been reported for several weeks now that he has been trying to gain basketball offers, in order to pay off the $850,000 he owes due to his "Iced" out jewelry. Hes obvious searching for money fast, having already a postion on an El Salvador team and another back in the the NBAs D leagues.
Its gotten so bad that an indoor soccer (yes we said soccer) has extended an insubstantial offer. Heres the Official press release:
"The Rochester Lancers, of the MISL's top level of pro indoor soccer, today announced a contract offer to former NBA star, Allen Iverson.
The Rochester Lancers host two remaining regular season home games to conclude their season. The offer stands at $20,000 per game, with a bonus of $5,000 per goal scored, win bonuses, and merchandise bonuses. There are over 12 goals scored on average per game.
'Allen Iverson is one of the premier athletes of our time," said Rich Randall, Vice President of the Rochester Lancers. "With his athleticism and competitive hunger, I think he can be a great fit with our team and fans as we make an important playoff push, while also driving interest to an exciting, growing sport."
If accepted, the Lancers have also offered to host his friends and family through the duration of his stay. With the per-game pay and bonuses, this offer will come close to the offer (per game) set by Turkish basketball team, Besiktas and ultimately keeping him the United States."
This brings up the age old question, Can Iverson play soccer? yes he possess elite quickness and toughness which if he didn't live his hole life already could've been trained to be one of the greats in the MLS. But people those are all "would've, and What-ifs" and cant change the past to see which Allen could've been better.
Anyone withe marketing knowhow would instantly see what this offer is. Its a publicity stunt to get a minor sports league trying to gain a foothold in the attention of the general sporting community. They want to use his name and what he used to be to make some money off of it. Their aim is to exploite the falling atlete in his time of need and exploite his name to get tickets sales.
Love or hate A.I. hes still one of the most important athletes of the past 25 years. and its sad that a man who once held so much swag, captivated millions over the NBA career can be turned into the punchline. He's fallen on bad times that the lifestyle put him in, but hes not perfect, and he is not a player that should be mocked. Show the man some respect for being the icon he once was, and for the man hes trying to become again, he deserves just aleast that.