Allen Iverson: Accepting Indoor Soccer Offer Would Be Sad End to AI's Career
If you thought Allen Iverson playing basketball in Puerto Rico was bad, just imagine if he ends up playing for the Major Indoor Soccer League.
That's right, after reports indicated that Iverson is considering playing basketball in Puerto Rico, MISL club the Rochester Lancers have offered him a contract, per the team's press release.
Where did it all go wrong, Allen?
The Lancers are reportedly offering Iverson $20,000 per game and a bonus of $5,000 for every goal he scores, citing (gulp) his "athleticism."
Lancers vice president Rich Randall said in the press release:
"Allen Iverson is one of the premier athletes of our time. 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.
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It's almost as if Randall doesn't realize A.I. is 36 years old now.
Iverson's comeback attempt has been sad to watch, comparable to Terrell Owens' in the NFL. Owens, as we all know, is still vying for a place on an NFL roster, but saw no offers come his way last season. He's become a pitiful character, trying to convince anyone that he's worthy.
I thought the final straw for Iverson was his being linked to Puerto Rico's professional basketball league. If he actually accepts the Lancers' offer, that will surely mark a sad end to his basketball career.
CBS Sports has hinted this is nothing but publicity stunt for the Lancers. That would make more sense, and I hope it's true.
The last thing anyone wants to see is an 11-time NBA All-Star and four-time scoring champion struggling in the MISL.
I have never questioned Iverson's passion for the game, which is why it's so hard to see him getting turned away by NBA teams. But, at some point, you have to cut your losses.
A.I. should take a history lesson from T.O.
