What Topics Allen Iverson, Roger Clemens, Dr. J, More Won't Inscribe with Autographs
The National Sports Collectors Convention will take place from July 30-August 3 in Rosemont, Illinois. Among other events, it will feature a ton of sports legends (and even a few current stars, like Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo) taking part in live autograph signings.
Fans can meet stars and get their autographs for a price, sometimes even with an inscription. However, as Larry Holder of The Athletic noted, not every athlete is going to offer inscriptions that fans covet, or sign items that they want covered.
For example, former Philadelphia 76ers star Allen Iverson isn't talking about practice, which he didn't want to do in 2002 per his famous press conference.
Another ex-76ers legend, Julius "Dr. J" Irving, won't sign items referencing his Nov. 1984 fight with Boston Celtics great Larry Bird.
Erving notably played with the New York Nets of the ABA before his time with the 76ers. He will not signed "unlicensed ABA red, white and blue basketballs," per Holder.
Dr. J isn't the only player who doesn't want to sign items from less-heralded moments from his past playing days. Ex-MLB star pitcher Roger "Rocket" Clemens isn't signing memorabilia related to the then-New York Yankee throwing a broken bat toward New York Mets superstar catcher Mike Piazza in Game 2 of the 2000 World Series.
Former St. Louis Cardinals superstar first baseman Albert Pujols is a mortal lock for the Baseball Hall of Fame's Class of 2028, but he isn't signing any HOF items just yet.
And ex-baseball and football superstar Bo Jackson isn't signing items referencing the old Nike Bo Knows campaign.
Ultimately, all the athletes have their legitimate reasons for not including various inscriptions or signing random items. But fans can still meet a large amount of sports figures and get a host of autographs soon enough.
