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Reality check Time for Iverson to grow up, start playing by society's rulesPosted: Monday July 15, 2002 2:51 PMUpdated: Monday July 15, 2002 4:40 PM
"Practice? Who needs practice?"
Say this much for Allen Iverson: He's fearless. It doesn't matter if it's an opposing 7-footer in his path -- or the Philadelphia police -- he's going to do what he wants. Lock him out of an apartment? He'll barge in, allegedly, and threaten the residents. Bring him up on gun charges? He'll get rid of the weapon. Confine him to house arrest? He'll throw an all-night bash at his mansion. For Iverson, it's as if the normal rules don't apply. Like all those shooting guards who get in his grill, he's going to cross over anybody who tries to stop him. He'll do it again Tuesday, when he turns himself in to authorities on gun and assault charges stemming from a domestic dispute incident earlier this month. Iverson is charged with four felony counts and 10 misdemeanors, but nobody really believes he's going to get any jail time. For one, the charges are overblown. For another, he has a high-priced sharpie defense lawyer.
Perhaps most important of all, the witnesses are acquaintances who can be paid or otherwise coaxed to not testify. No witnesses, no serious case. Experts agree that Iverson is looking at a plea bargain, nothing more. Mindful that Iverson will surely beat this rap, the Sixers organization is standing firmly behind him. Even coach Larry Brown has said that his star guard will be welcomed back with open arms. "I told him to come over here and work out with our guys and be with the family," Brown said last week before Iverson was ordered by police to stay at home. Iverson's $80 million contract is reportedly not guaranteed should he be convicted of a felony, but both the Sixers and the NBA want to see him back in uniform. After all, he sells tickets. He also sells sneakers, which is why Reebok says it intends to fully honor the rest of its $48 million commitment to Iverson. Not even the side issue of Iverson's apparent mistreatment of his wife has dented support from his team and sponsors. According to reports, the latest incident began when he threw his wife out of the house half-naked. For a guy who trots his two young kids out at press conferences, it was an odd way to demonstrate family values. Iverson is a troubled young man who endured a tough upbringing. Having been sent to jail as a teen on a bogus charge, and having lost close friends to murder, he is probably right when he says few people would trade places with him -- even with all the fame and money he has received. But really, isn't it time for him to put aside the anger? At age 27, with millions of dollars in the bank, Iverson needs to grow up. He needs to realize that the world doesn't revolve around him, that he has certain obligations to his family, his teammates and society. Showing up for practice, honoring his wife and following laws don't make a person any less of a man. Iverson's friends swear he's misunderstood. They say he's a good person who loves his wife and kids and takes care of his extended family. They point to his extensive charitable work, especially back home in his disadvantaged area of Hampton Roads, Va. If true, Iverson shouldn't find it too hard to change. It might just take a little practice. Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
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CNN's Bob Franken outlines the charges facing Allen Iverson. 
