Iverson leaves Grizzlies for personal reasons

**Pistons < Spurs** · 11-07-2009

The Allen Iverson saga has taken another turn as the veteran guard asked for and was granted permission to leave the Grizzlies to deal with a personal matter, according to an NBA source.

Iverson, 34, met with Griz owner Michael Heisley Friday night following the team’s 114-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The pair met again this morning, and Iverson was expected to depart for Atlanta this afternoon.

Atlanta is where Iverson lives during the offseason.

This latest development comes after Iverson played in three games since returning from a hamstring injury. Iverson came off the bench in each of those appearances and expressed his displeasure over that role all week.

It is not known when Iverson will rejoin the Grizzlies.

Iverson has averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 assists, 2.3 turnovers and 57-percent shooting in 22 minutes for the Grizzlies.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news...sonal-reasons/

from twitter:

chadfordinsider

Wonder if they're the same "personal reasons" he left Detroit last season. Lots of folks in the league think he won't be back.

**Findog** · 11-07-2009

Got damn, he's headed for Starbury territory.

**Culburn369** · 11-07-2009

Here's this knucklehead again with the moniker bowin' down to the Spurs.

**Allanon** · 11-07-2009

It's possible this is due to legit family reasons...in that case that's fine.

But if it's over his starting/bench role, he's indeed approaching Starbury territory.

**Findog** · 11-07-2009

Originally Posted by Allanon

It's possible this is due to legit family reasons...in that case that's fine.

But if it's over his starting/bench role, he's indeed approaching Starbury territory.

I agree, but Chad Ford is insinuating that it's the latter reason he's left the team. Dude could still be a contributor 6th man type for a good team, but nobody will ing want him if he can't suck it up and come to terms with the fact that it's not 2001 anymore. Nobody put a gun to his head and made him sign with Memphis, and there are quotes from July where the Grizzlies brass made it clear that they did not necessarily want to give him a starting job.

**dirk4mvp** · 11-07-2009

**Culburn369** · 11-07-2009

Originally Posted by lakaluva

Farmar for Iverson?

Is the Staples shower stall big enough?

**Danny.Zhu** · 11-07-2009

So disappointed.

**Allanon** · 11-07-2009

Originally Posted by lakaluva

Farmar for Iverson?

Damn, that's tempting.

**Allanon** · 11-07-2009

Originally Posted by Findog

I agree, but Chad Ford is insinuating that it's the latter reason he's left the team. Dude could still be a contributor 6th man type for a good team, but nobody will ing want him if he can't suck it up and come to terms with the fact that it's not 2001 anymore. Nobody put a gun to his head and made him sign with Memphis, and there are quotes from July where the Grizzlies brass made it clear that they did not necessarily want to give him a starting job.

I hadn't read Chad Ford's article yet. Man, if it is, this is really disappointing.

This dude's a lock for the HoF and still a solid player, but if it's true this is just embarrassing.

**Pistons < Spurs** · 11-07-2009

A frustrated Allen Iverson(notes) has departed the Memphis Grizzlies and is not expected to return any time soon, if at all, a source close to Yahoo! Sports said today. The source said Iverson is going back to Atlanta to clear his head and is extremely unhappy about the lack of communication with coach Lionel Hollins over his playing time and reserve role in three games since returning from an injury. Hollins has told reporters he’d prefer to focus on the team than his dispute with Iverson. Even so, other sources close to the Grizzlies suggest Iverson has not asked to be waived and that his departure is for personal reasons and that a timetable for his return is unknown.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_yl...yhoo&type=lgns