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League legalities Even without conviction, Iverson could be sanctionedPosted: Tuesday July 16, 2002 7:37 PMPHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Even if he never spends another minute in jail, Allen Iverson will have to answer to the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers' star guard was arraigned Tuesday on charges that he stormed into a cousin's apartment with a gun and threatened two men while looking for his wife earlier this month. He was released on $10,000 bond. Though the charges against the 27-year-old, three-time All-Star carry a maximum sentence of more than 50 years, lawyers not involved in the case said Iverson is unlikely to serve jail time even if convicted. No matter the outcome in court, Iverson faces possible action from NBA commissioner David Stern, who has suspended him in the past. "He will talk to our security officers," league spokesman Tim Frank said, adding a conversation with Iverson could take place even before his case is resolved. Under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, Iverson would be automatically suspended for a minimum of 10 games if convicted of a "violent felony." Stern could also take more drastic action. Stern has the authority to fine or suspend the mercurial star even if the charges are dropped, based on a standard conduct clause in players' contracts. "If he finds that Allen or any player engaged in conduct detrimental to the league, he can do that," Frank said. "It's too premature to speculate." New York Knicks guard Latrell Sprewell was suspended for the final 68 games of the 1997-98 season for choking coach P.J. Carlesimo during an altercation at practice when both were with the Golden State Warriors. Iverson was suspended for the first game of the 1997-98 season after pleading no contest to a gun charge after police near Richmond, Va., that summer stopped a car in which he was a passenger and found a gun belonging to Iverson and two marijuana cigarettes. It was the first time Iverson went before Stern, but it wouldn't be the last. In 2000, the commissioner reprimanded Iverson for lyrics from his unreleased rap CD that contained derogatory references to gays and women. The Sixers have been in contact with the league office to discuss Iverson, but won't comment further until the matter is resolved. "We stand by our statement that we support Allen," spokeswoman Karen Frascona said. "We don't condone his actions if they are true, but we have to let the judicial system make the decision." With training camp more than two months away, the team is preparing for the season with the expectation that Iverson will be available. Iverson, a three-time scoring champion, led the Sixers to the NBA Finals in 2001, but they were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs last season. General manager Billy King didn't return messages Tuesday, and coach Larry Brown was vacationing in California. Vice president Dave Coskey said Iverson's situation hasn't affected ticket sales, but it is too early to make a determination. The Sixers were fifth in attendance last season, setting a franchise record with 25 sellouts. "Allen is a big part of it, but he is a part of it," Coskey said. Iverson has three years remaining on his contract and is due to make $40.5 million. His contract could be voided by the Sixers in the unlikely event they waived him.
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