For the past week, I have been waking up to the sound of ball-dribbling and crowd-cheering. It’s NBA playoffs once again. My dad is always excited to watch the games and I must tell you, he is very vocal. So, okay I wake up to some shouting as well. Haha
I wish I could share the same enthusiasm. I used to love watching not just the playoffs but NBA as a whole. Naming players with their corresponding teams was effortless for me. But now, I beg you not to ask me about the new players. I’m one confused lady. If only Allen Iverson were back. I know, I know, you’ll tell me he’s old but I really refuse to believe that he’s that old.
Many of my friends would testify how addicted I am to Allen Iverson. I used to shriek at the mere sight of him. Funny how I say “sight of him”, as if I have seen him in person. I could open an Iverson museum for all the memorabilia that I kept all these years. People really wonder why I find one black basketball player a big deal. I started following his career when I was in second year high school. It was actually the perfect time since it was the 2001 season that A.I. led the Philadelphia 76ers to the finals. However, they lost the series against Shaquille O’neal and Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers.
I would love to share A.I.’s life here but I don’t think there will be enough space. All I know is that he was really great on the court. He is always known for his heart for the game. He was always true to himself from his million tattoos, corn rows hair to his much criticized hip hop clothes. People really perceived him as a bad boy and the media were not really his best friends. He has been through a lot since childhood, including the time when he was arrested and convicted of felony but later on the charges were overturned for insufficient evidence.
Though A.I.’s career was a roller coaster ride, I never thought it would end this soon. After spending his prime years a 6er, he was shipped to the Denver Nuggets, traded to the Detriot Pistons, had a short detour with the Memphis Grizzlies, retired for a while and then finally went home to the 6ers again. He had a lot of issues with the past teams in terms of playing time and starting role. When he returned to the city who loved him in his more than a decade career, he made sure that he got his act straightened up. Even if he knew that it would never be the same again when he left, he never complained and he did what was asked of him. Everybody thought it would end well but sadly, it didn’t. One of his daughters had an undisclosed illness which made him miss a lot of games. The team and A.I. decided that it would be better if he left. His daughter needed him and the team had to move on without him. To add insult to injury, the same day that the parting ways was announced, his wife of eight years filed for divorce and asked for full custody of the couple’s five children, child support and alimony. This was the same woman whom Allen caught naked and cheating on him years ago. Is this really the end of Allen Iverson? Hmmm I and millions of fanaticos refuse to believe so.
NBA fans are rejoicing for their winning teams while others are doing otherwise. I envy them! Win or lose I want to feel the rush! Oh well, good riddance, NBA.Whoever wins, I don’t give a damn.
Take care, Allen Iverson, my love. I miss you! hehe
Originally posted on 4-26-10 on neekulmarie.tumblr.com.
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