Allen Iverson's legendary practice rant [FULL] | ESPN Archives

On May 7, 2002, Allen Iverson went on a legendary rant during his news conference, uttering the word "practice" 22 times during a back and forth with reporters. The infamous “we talking about practice” portion begins at (7:21).
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[@TizOnly1]

The fact that y'all made this about "practice", and basically a joke at his expense, and not him talking about the pressures he felt due to his friend dying, and the overall stress in his life.. that's why players don't like the media.

[@TizOnly1]

@@Ediblesrgood oooooo a tough guy appears!

[@TizOnly1]

@@Ediblesrgood the point is, his press conference had WAAAAAAAY more to it than the "practice" part, so isolating that, and ignoring the substantive pieces was always disingenuous as fuck. Considering people absolutely used this "practice rant" in ways to attack Iverson's character for YEARS, yes.. it was wrong do this. And also you're lying to yourself if you're saying that, regardless of AI's smile, this clip wasn't used in ways to laugh AT Iverson, not with him, for years. Stop it.

[@everardoalba]

Blah blah blah. Getting paid millions to “play a game”. Its not really a job, more like getting paid for a hobby, and this fool wont go to practice? Then they wonder y theres no loyalty amongst owners and players. Go to practice, show up to the games, win....ok, heres your millions of dollars. But no, they got a “i’ll do what i feel like attitude”. Cool.

[@TizOnly1]

@@everardoalba do those millions of dollars bring people back to life? If not, I'm not sure how you can make that argument, when the ACTUAL situation was that Iverson was in a depressed funk, since his best friend had gotten murdered like the day before that practice. So because they get paid millions, fuck their humanity right?

[@dwainbaker1241]

@everardoalba giving a grown man your opinion on how he should feel and what he should do when you’ve never been close to his situation. Lmao you a clown

[@a11pu1poj]

This interview is completely different when you see the whole thing instead of just snippets. AI was speaking the truth here. Very under appreciated moment.

[@billyalberty5202]

He also paid the reporter a lot of respect and acknowledged everything he asked even though you could tell he thought it was a silly notion in that moment.

[@AT-ts1se]

@@billyalberty5202 facts bro. I was thinking the same thing.

[@emmywhiten8705]

Yea bro now im older and A. I. was respectful but just tellin the hard truth.

[@anmilaan2188]

himynameisJUL that's right

[@monolith2001]

LOL. I hate to ride the "fake news" bandwagon but watching this entire clip makes me feel like I was running with a lie all these years. In context, that was some good stuff by AI and he ain't wrong about any of it.

[@amadoubah9658]

What’s a ring, when you have a heart of a champion.

[@ritagreenleaf3669]

🎯👏👏👏

[@jpm5125]

Its still a ring. But I understand you tho

[@bighomiemac3472]

Piiiiiiiiing!!!!!!!

[@jungleGSC]

he would have won a ring if they built the right team for him. they didn't have the money to build him a championship team and they still went deep in the playoffs

[@holyhecks]

@@jungleGSC they had the money. They just weren't willing to spend.

[@JewelzFinazzo]

Shame on ESPN for making the "practice" portion of this interview the highlight for so long. The rest of this interview was 100 times more important, inspiring and justified.

[@kashifkelley8235]

The part that they should've kept running was A.I. sayin "I'm just like you" many times. I guess that was too real for their business.

[@soraactualize5464]

@@kashifkelley8235 you act as if it isn't a business and they have no money to make. nothing is stopping other sports channels from making their i" stand with A.I."movies or w/e while patting themselves on the back. all of you are all here watching and whining about it too. don't see anyone boycotting ESPN for it either. let's face it he had an attitude with authority and doing what was required of him to do to be more likeable by mgmt even if he was talented. look at lebron he talented too right? you think the NBA or ESPN would do this to lebron? nah why? because he showed up and did what he was supposed to be doing.

[@cappriment]

This is the first time I've seen the entire interview! Agreed, ESPN was wrong and should have been fixed this!

[@Youngguy2024]

Right I can’t Believe I’ve never heard the whole thing .

[@cameronfateweaver2206]

This is the reason why I hate journalists. Journalists don't write the truth - they're trying to write something to get them famous.

[@trevorbradley6139]

Most misunderstood player of all time

[@jjdb9969]

A very Close friend of him died shortly before this interview, of Course He was annoyed By the Media in that Situation

[@elazzursilva4496]

@@jamaali2358 if he's a screw up, what does that make you?

[@kanyewestlover369]

Steve lol he’s actually an intelligent guy if it werent for basketball he’d be in stanford lmaoooooo

[@Jsquadgamers]

@@jamaali2358 🙄🙄🙄

[@cameronallen4071]

Youngboy of basketball

[@bradparnham479]

This is actually a really sad interview. Watching the full interview, you can see he's really hurt. All these years and I only just learned this.

[@gjc3655]

Me too. U are right

[@NowYourMad]

I heard he was drunk right here

[@alex1vid]

@@NowYourMad He was sober, coherent, sharp and extremely frustrated & annoyed.

[@jakedooley5300]

Yeah, these media people are assholes, iverson did everything great as a player and these people won't stop talking about him missing a practice

[@nashbruce4196]

The last minute or so.... 😥

[@abelalatorre1903]

Man said “I’m hurt” multiple times, and even after that all the media kept taking it as a joke and laughter. Sad life of a professional athlete and the pressure. Millions can’t buy happiness

[@WiltChamberlain20111]

Millions could buy me happiness.

[@brucewayne7831]

It literally costs money just to live.

[@magnusopus4461]

No it can't. But it can make life much better

[@jahjahmartin2700]

@@magnusopus4461 they don’t understand, money brings comfort for you and your family, but there are many people with millions that are completely broken.

[@miguellopez8603]

@@magnusopus4461 i would say it makes like easier not necessarily better or happier

[@ozziejones1043]

The fact that practice was the sound bite taken from this tells you everything you need to know about the media.

[@AnHebrewChild]

Yessir. That's what this shows exactly

[@TheDiamondShoppeBeats]

Saying practice 22 times is all they took from this? They made this interview a joke because he was speaking too real. This was about much more than practice. He was speaking about reality and having empathy. That's usually how it goes with media though. Take something frivolous, remove the context and focus on it to divert from the true essence of the exchange.

[@grinchoi1]

Exactly!

[@eugenioapa2209]

Kiss mo

[@marvincook183]

U Right His Peeplz Died I IDidnt KNOW that Factz!!!! they was Just Showing Snippets About Practice !!!!!! PRACTICE

[@BenchOnaQUEST]

Very true... That's what the media does: they take something genuine and frivolous, then they take it out of context and focus on it to divert from the true perspective and the true essence of the conversation.

[@kasimojohn2017]

Yeah like Rachel Nicholls simply saying that another person didn't earn her job on Merit. And they make it racial. Meanwhile they openly cry white privilege when it doesn't exist in 2021

[@SaladinG14]

This was like the realest interview ever.

[@timothyharrisesq8745]

Phillipppp! lol

[@valentinoragaini2035]

The moment at 13:45 when AI says "And when i lose this is what i gotta go through?" is so sad and you can clearly see his frustration and him looking for empathy, just because he's the MVP he's expected to always perform and always be perfect when he's a human too.

[@djfisher34]

This is the first time I have ever watched this full interview. This was not an embarrassing moment for him. This is 100% true and he should be proud of it.

[@jamesonjunky]

It never came off as an embarrassing moment from what I saw. Seemed like most people thought it was kinda funny but I'm sure there were people genuinely upset with his answers

[@andrelima5124]

"Imma go to war for Philadephia man" Realest of them all.

[@lucasborja3797]

André Lima sem dúvida o AI é uma lenda

[@snakefinger]

André Lima 23:46 dudes a muthafuckin soldier !

[@skelemonk]

him and the guy i’m a tooth gap for have the same special love and loyalty for philly

[@cecilion_da_shopee]

@@lucasborja3797 bom dia mano tudo safe ai no brasil? Como vai o treinamento?

[@lucasborja3797]

@@cecilion_da_shopee eu sou português mas sim tá td bem e contigo?

[@th3v1ctr10us]

Knowing the context of this interview, I don't find this humorous anymore

[@user-xj5ki4pb8h]

This happens only when you put yourself in his shoes.....

[@thenotoriousmichaeljackson8938]

It’s still funny but I hate how da media flip shit

[@lertmelernyers8672]

It was never funny if you were a Philly fan.

[@JK-tn4xp]

While I agree that context makes the experience different..... there are always humorous moments in every serious moment.

[@zizoushifty1483]

Its still funny but you can better see where he's coming from. He sounds hurt the whole interview.

[@zombiedeathrays8862]

“Yes! I’m the MVP and I have to be worrying about trade talk.” What a legend.

[@BlaxKid22]

They interrogated him, he held his own. Classic for sure.

[@mddaking5270]

And this is why Allen Iverson is forever going to be my favorite athlete because he literally embodies what Philadelphia is. Blue-collar, tough and genuine

[@JohnWick-yb3jn]

Yeah a loser while Kobe won 5 and he from Philadelphia and got booed there lol

[@mddaking5270]

@@JohnWick-yb3jn The fact that you’re even getting me to reply shows you that you win, but I had to acknowledge that I recognize you trolling.

[@Threezus17]

@@mddaking5270 how is he trolling?

[@michaelmcmillan1425]

@@Threezus17 He's just saying AI wasn't a LOSER. Guess you forgot about the crossover 3 he hit on Lue in Game 1 in the 2001 NBA Finals. (A game they actually WON)

[@inandoutoftheabyss9953]

IF he was blue collar and tough, I think he'd have better views on practice

[@noahr.205]

This just made me a lifelong Allen Iverson fan.

[@elcapitanjack911S]

I'm with u Noah..totally 100% agree!!

[@benjimc1]

AI is the reason I wore #3 in school. Played point guard and watched/played Basketball as a kid in the UK (everyone else playing football). But I had never seen this interview in full until now. Heartbreaking.

[@Threezus17]

You had to wait for an interview? A.I was nice

[@kknlmb228]

@@Threezus17 yea? there's thousands of players that have "been nice".. this interview shows and speaks a lot about allen iverson as a PERSON.. which makes people feel more connected or attracted to him more.. your comment was a waste of time homie

[@kavithak7494]

This is exemplary of what a Hall of Famer's Sportsmanship should be....outside Mr. Iverson's game....This is a whole new level of respect that I have for him

[@user-qe9kj4dz6z]

Only Iverson can get me to watch a 30 minute press conference he’s my fav all time

[@aaronschutte7160]

I admire Allen for many things including his stamina at this press conference. You might not like all of his answers, but he didn’t get up and walk out early. He stuck through it. Today, a lot of players just get up half way through.

[@miguellopez8603]

i wouldn’t of blamed him if he dipped…they weren’t listening to anything he was saying and tried to manipulate what he said regarding practice

[@aaronschutte7160]

@@miguellopez8603 I agree with you.

[@kevinzanders7338]

1:45 “Everybody takes shots at Allen Iverson. It’s just unfortunate that I can’t punch back...” 👊🏾😔I felt this man😔👊🏾

[@alex1vid]

True. It really kind of shows in a way how parts of the media have, today vs then, lost. Because if there were the same total platforms back then, a lot more would've been able to have called put the BS bias Iverson faced in his career.

[@brotherrick241]

Allen Iverson In this interview Was giving, Street level Wisdom, To a bunch of intellectual, Educated fools. Common sense answers to foolish questions.

[@herbertlewis8442]

They say the biggest fools are the educated

[@noillcallyou]

@@herbertlewis8442 they dont say that

[@herbertlewis8442]

@@noillcallyou I guess they also don't say to never argue with a fool because from a distance, people don't know who's, who

[@noillcallyou]

@@herbertlewis8442 when you consider someone a fool you only put yourself at a disadvantage. Someone that's smart will play the role of a fool just to out maneuver you.

[@noillcallyou]

@Paul Robinson NO THEY DONT. Education comes in many forms. Life is full of education. Everyone's educated at some extent. It's all a matter on how you use it. Dont knock the educated just because you may have reached the pinnacle of yours and anything beyond it is seemingly unimaginable. Those reporters have questions. Regardless how idiotic a question may seem, their job is to ask them. Whatever the purpose or however you may feel about it. Simply deeming someone a fool is lazy.

[@vittiriowashington5211]

Not one single person offered condolences for the lost of his friend, 😡... He handled it with an ample amount of aggression, grace,empathy, and logic... 🐐 on and off the court... Respect Bubba

[@MrRover30]

Yes someone did

[@AzNightmare]

*This aged well considering he ended up being one of the best players in the game.*

[@Threezus17]

Exactly

[@matthewhyman2208]

Undisputed best iso player to ever play

[@agniforma2340]

He was already one of the best players in the game at the time of this interview

[@raheemhannah5369]

The pressure of being misunderstood

[@mackgalloway6136]

"What's yo question... PHILLOP!! 😂 😂 😂

[@guanpoh7765]

He said filled up. Which mean he call him to speak

[@Tritiuminducedfusion]

​@guanpoh7765 Tf are you talking about? Guys name was Phil. 🙄🤡

[@Sizzle403]

@@guanpoh7765definitely said Phillip🤣🤣🤣

[@snowflakepillow8697]

"I bleed like y'all, I cry like y'all, I got feelings. Just like y'all. I ain't no different from y'all." And I'm not even close to being Allen Iverson.

[@claudevanbeethoven2944]

It’s 2021 and this is the first time I’ve seen this interview. I developed a deep respect for him with every passing moment. He spoke his truth, he spoke the truth, and he turned the tables on the press. Mad props to you Allen Iverson!

[@inandoutoftheabyss9953]

If he spoke the full truth, he would admit he needed to grow. He isnt in the right here. Theres a reason why guys like MJ and Kobe have numerous rings. They lead practices with similar, if not the same, intensity they bring to the game.

[@qarsiq]

same, never saw the whole the interview

[@encycl07pedia-]

2023 and it's the same here. I had absolutely no idea. I'm honestly just glad they gave us the full interview because you know this could have been lost forever. 2002 was still so early with web videos that this could have been only a 320x240 video with a terrible bitrate.

[@macysondheim]

Most didn’t take kindly to his snarky remarks at the time, & it confirmed what the press had been saying since day 1 of iverson & his antics. Dressing like a criminal, his tough guy act. To anyone on the fence, how about a little context. This press conference was after a crucial late season loss after iverson had not only been reported to have missed at least 1 practice that week, but he was also featured on TMZ the previous Friday, April the 12th….at a nightclub… consuming alcohol… on national television. So you bet this slacker & poor excuse of a man, had a lot to answer for. And yet once again iverson instead chooses to be aggressive with reporters im his typical thug persona

[@stwish3910]

​@macysondheim7260 Didn't his close friend pass away and that's why he missed practice? Also "typical thug persona" and "dressing like a thug" is so funny to me cause he really did neither lmao To add, how is he a slacker if he made it to the NBA?

[@lowelife6425cg]

Instead of giving him help they bashed him for doing his best 🤦‍♂️ crazy

[@carlosh8502]

AI brought that swagger to the nba

[@southernflavamaker]

True

[@thatguythatdoesstuff7448]

Swagger was brought long before AI. Young MJ had swagger before swagger was a thing.

[@moneyway8178]

@@thatguythatdoesstuff7448 never heard of mj having swagger

[@tsinatra96]

he brought identity and uniqueness.

[@emmywhiten8705]

W🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@ervinghenderson4780]

You can see the hurt in his eyes and hear it in his voice. We love AI in Philly because we knew that every night he was on the floor he gave the fans all of himself.

[@dbradford911]

It’s actually a brilliant and brutally honest speech. They guy was as real as an athlete could possibly ever be, yet it was made into a joke. The media response was not journalism, even as the same people claim to want to understand the truth.

[@christiancinelli4092]

18:10 "Why not? I been the MVP bony as hell" lmaooooo

[@umermahmood]

Iverson too real for the media. Much respect !

[@moabuawad7441]

He said sooo many strong points through out the whole interview, and to be recognized for his frustrated response about being asked multiple questions regarding practice will be forever unfair to his legacy. This man went out ever game and put everything on the line. Just show more evidence in the enemies he garnered for no reason.

[@TazMeraki]

Especially since players load manage now. Sometimes they’ll lose manage the whole starting lineup!!

[@GilbertParris]

This is why people need to listen to an entire interview, not just a clip

[@ecarreras1]

Nobody from the Sixers organization came to his rescue on this savage interview or more like a trial. They let him drown.

[@kyosoke90]

They won't even help him on the game why will it change in this interview?

[@stephenmarva9011]

when he said “I’m not a Franchise player” this exactly what he meant.

[@dwightwilkerson8664]

Some chik n the background tried to shut it but THAT BROTHER WASN'T HAVING NONE OF IT he was a man who had to get something off his chest

[@SD_702]

Billy King was the President and GM. He, Coach Brown, and AI had a meeting to clear the air and this press conference was setup by Billy King to tell the world all was well. Billy was on crutches from an Achilles injury and was in the room during the conference. During the press conference, Ed Snyder (then owner) called him to ask what was going on, and Billy King hobbled to take the call and offered his resignation WHILE IVERSON WAS STILL TALKING. Ed wouldn't accept it. Having that context makes this even more incredible.

[@tobyfierce4958]

It would be nice if they helped, yes, but he handled it well alone and I would prefer for him to do it in his own. He has the fire and fuel enough to do it, and it was beautiful. Thats how you speak. You tell the truth and you win the war.

[@ifyoudidntknownowyoudo6326]

He was fightin back tears. Media do assassinate characters before they make a move. They don't care what these players are dealing with in their personal lives. Just think about it. If he missed one or 2 practices. They made it seem like he never came to practice.

[@gerardoortizlambertsosa5332]

It got me , he’s pain inside

[@DJSpoon318]

He also just loss his best friend that day to murder.. He mentioned it briefly

[@bryandungee1029]

0:00-7:19= The Calm before the storm 7:20-8:14= Thunder begans, storm clouds rolling in 8:15=Full Blown Thunderstorm

[@Phenom4210]

The most Man-ish thing I have seen in a while. He sat right there and took the heat, stood his ground and spoke his mind. OMG... I forgot how great he was.

[@mrosa718]

2002. So 17 years later. I’m 25 now. I see this press conference in a completely different light then I did at 8 lol. Always loved AI on the court, but man he’s speaking nothing but truth here.

[@derloweausdersiedlung]

brother believe me Pass the 40, then you see it more differently.

[@apikul1878]

His friend died, he lost the playoffs, there’s trade rumors, and they ask him abt 1 practice 2 weeks earlier.. he’s speaking the truth that every star wants to speak whatever the press could do to get money or make a star look bad they will

[@sc_r1ptv122]

Imagine being this open and honest with the press for that long... Only to have the media use a snippet which puts the whole interview out of context in order to further vilify you 😢 this guy spoke about the his best friends death, the pressure he's under, his coach throwing him under the bus (as well as the fact that he still loved Larry), the things him, his wife and daughter have to go through...and the press heard that and did him even dirtier 😔 and u wonder why players like Marshawn Lynch don't fw reporters kmt!

[@EtienneakaBags]

This is a perfect example of how the media can be deceptive because the sound bites and clips that have lived on tv and online for decades painted the whole convo and his attitude a totally dif way. To see the whole intvw is to empathize with him and understand where he was coming from.

[@Logical281]

It’s 2019 and we’re still talking about practice ?

[@magacop5180]

Logical indeed

[@shavons5331]

@@Zenigundam He sure looked like he wanted to win when he was carrying straight up ass juice to the Finals in 01

[@emmywhiten8705]

😂😂😂😂W

[@graffbash909]

@@shavons5331 thank you!. A.I. played with mad Heart, and incredible skill that cannot be taught.

[@ky5059]

Zenigundam thats why he carried that trash ass team in 01

[@lencavallaro6781]

First time seeing the whole interview. AI was clearly the smartest person in that room. I can’t think of another public figure that could have done as well.

[@MrJuneyboy]

Facts!!!!

[@yanguemilio]

word. The PATIENCE...

[@Tpeele88]

Kobe would of ate them alive too

[@WorldwideWyatt]

Lol what?

[@ronelz999]

If something like this happened to players today they would have cited "personal reasons" and skipped the media. My respect for AI just got greater.

[@TheSolarScience]

Most watchable ... most influential ... most physically gifted ... and as intense a competitor as MJ.

[@iamcrackmanjones]

This interviews brings tears to my eyes everytime I watch it. Iverson gives so much perspective and so many lessons in this. Truly the most influential player ever, forever my favorite.

[@SlowVillageBand]

this guy is 100 % real. he's honest, he's smart, he's skilled and he has balls. he's the mvp :) and last but not least: he is a great speaker, his sentences are well built.

[@Zett76]

Are you kidding? :-) He is all heart, he is an all-time-great, I adore and respect him, he's probably my second favorite player ever. But a great speaker?? He skips most verbs, most articles... it's not always easy to follow him. :-)

[@RoscoeHD]

@GEMINI RISING if you cant follow what he's saying and what the point is he's trying to get across, I'm questioning your intelligence.

[@ae4164]

He's intelligent and a great speaker? Imagine how dumb you have to be to think that about AI.

[@RoscoeHD]

@@ae4164 intelligence isn't all book smarts homie welcome to the real world

[@ae4164]

@@RoscoeHD You're right it's not all book smarts, it's also being able to speak and express your thoughts intelligently and not repeat the same sentence over and over until everyone in the room is laughing at you. Good thing dude could play ball or he'd be next to you flipping burgers at McDonalds.

[@GoogleMe_]

This press conference was so raw where Allen was saying what was on his mind. I love him for who he is and is my favorite nba player of all time

[@jeffreyseptimo7958]

One of the realest interviews I have ever watched. Pure, honest and from the heart.

[@sebanapo]

The mere fact he sat throughout the whole thing without cursing anyone out is upmost respect.

[@CptJumper]

AI too real. All the snippets about "Practise" but this press conference was so much more. Insight into the mental stress he was going through at the time.

[@mujtab8siddiqu1]

Someone help me out, what was he going through? What’s the context?

[@Bubs-_-]

@@mujtab8siddiqu1 His best friend had recently died, and he skipped practice to go to the funeral, and the media were heavily criticizing him for it.

[@mujtab8siddiqu1]

@@Bubs-_- that’s stupid, that makes me frustrated to hear. This is why I hate the media. Also don’t think I’ve been living under a rock lol, I didn’t know cuz I’m 15 I was born 2005.

[@mickeysmoove4562]

@@mujtab8siddiqu1 He literally tells you the mentl stress and the context right in the video bruh.....

[@mujtab8siddiqu1]

@@mickeysmoove4562 🙄🤫

[@raunletrelle]

context is everything.

[@lslithas24]

This what Kwame Brown was talking about when he spoke about the media

[@grayjinghutongz8393]

18:52 "Philip!" Had no idea AI was this funny. He's not allowed to take shots at the press but he finds a way. Brilliant.

[@yungdev5407]

They did my mans so dirty 😭 realest player in nba history

[@segrad1]

You very rarely see a professional athlete answer in depth every question posed to him/her. This man has feelings, real life problems, and was learning how to deal with the media. Yet, out of all this interview many people just focused on "practice " . Respect to my Brother A.I . PEACE from ATL ✊🏾

[@anonymousant1196]

My favorite basketball player of all time. He’s always been so real. Hard to believe they insulted him or made him feel the way he did with everything he was going through.

[@quince537]

I like that he didn't leave early and spoke his mind. He was clearly fed up with all the bs he had to go through. Great ending to the conference as well

[@allanbenoyo3279]

I think A.I was mourning He needed to time off not to be interviewed

[@koolguy6733]

The fact that this dude acknowledged that practice IS important and he does need to be there but makes a valid point as to him missing practice A COUPLE TIMES which I think should be allowed he was just the realest and most straight hearted guys ever to be born

[@ShadowWizard123]

He's obviously under a lot of pressure and carrying a lot of pain. In this clip, I mean. They should have got this man someone to talk to, a counselor or therapist. No shame in it. Can't carry stuff like that around all the time, it's not healthy.

[@audiobackdrops18]

There is a reason some people attain greatness. That man has heart and courage. AI showed up and sat there and faced the fire, answered all the questions and stood his ground. Even when the team representative tried to end it he said “no, let them talk’. He made them all look foolish and he did it respectfully, intelligently and with humility.

[@tinakelly13]

The reporters in the room did not realize how AI outwitted them. He was absolutely right that they were contradicting themselves and they never caught on. And "Philip," as a "player" questioning shot selection? Pathetic, arrogant fool.

[@ShermanSitter]

I never get tired of watching this. Legendary press conference. GOAT material.

[@antoinejack6746]

I give a lot of respect to Allen iverson during this press conference. He was hurt and he kept it real this entire press conference. You can tell he was hurt and dealing with a lot. And he kept it 100

[@klvtrucking8131]

Iverson never had a Star on his prime. Really hard to win a championship alone

[@Froztinc]

Especially with how stacked teams were in his prime

[@Froztinc]

@Joel Emgoat the prince of all goats Ask all the "Stars" in his time and they would tell you otherwise. During his trade rumors with the 76ers there were plenty players that wanted Iverson to join their team.

[@jeremymccardle3696]

he was fun to watch but he was a ball hog. they tried to fit him into the nuggets line up with a few superstars and it was wash. at least the 76ers brought him back home to retire his jersey

[@antwineranson6502]

@@jeremymccardle3696 Allen Iverson was the heart and soul of the Philadelphia team so James harden is the new Allen Iverson he's just as a ball dominant player as AI only main difference Allen Iverson play defense just as hard as he plays offense

[@kombokhan]

Him paired with KG would have been 🔥

[@ShermanSitter]

Every time I watch this, I am more impressed with this man. Yes, it is hilarious, but there is so much depth to this press conference. And truth.

[@itsme804va4]

It's crazy getting older. Different perspectives on life and the crazy things it can throw at you. As you're evolving you don't really notice.It's when you reflect and start reminiscing about the past it hits you. Five to ten years go by but it doesn't feel like it. Sometimes watching a movie you haven't seen in years doesn't feel the same. Listening to a song doest resonate the way it did. Those the moments that you feel the growth and change. Watching this now has me feeling all kinds of emotions. It's hard to explain. Everything isn't perceived as we see.

[@perfectgematriadecodesabc4259]

Who watched the full vid

[@blackcapone187]

GOAT GAWD ISO SENSEI VSPLASH1K most of us...it’s Allen Iverson

[@perfectgematriadecodesabc4259]

Frenchy Ball faxx

[@KingCannibis]

🙋🏻‍♂️

[@SkittlezMack]

My favorite player of all time!!!!

[@travisdutoit3848]

Mine too

[@ritagreenleaf3669]

Mine too♥️

[@Galaxy-nt7ik]

Mine is Jordan

[@MrMjna]

Yep! AI is my favorite. MJ is the GOAT, AI is the second best basketball player ever, then KB. Throw in there players like the dream, Karim, Shaq, Bird, Dr. J, Magic, Bill Russell, and we really talking about Basketball greatest.

[@chuckbasher3515]

So wicked the way they spun it His sincerity exposes them

[@zenlee1109]

This is why I love Iverson. This is why he gets so much love and respect from the people. Being so real. And this is why people and especially athletes hate the media. Being scummy.

[@wook1990]

As a Sixers fan, I felt A.I.'s pain. On 5/3/02, we got blown out 120-87 in Game 5 against the Celtics which is the last time that 1st-round series were 5 games. That ended our season. Then 4 days later, he did this press conference intoxicated and was mourning the loss of his best friend. Dealing with that and the fact that a blowout loss to end the season happened just 4 days prior was a ton on his shoulders at the time. Fuck the media.

[@Armennii]

He definitely was not intoxicated, he stated this a while ago

[@wook1990]

@@Armennii Yes he was intoxicated, dumb ass. Whatever you read about him not being intoxicated is false. Why do you think he kept saying "practice" over and over? When you say the same word and/or phrase over and over that, you're drunk/intoxicated.

[@Raulbr21]

@@wook1990That's BS. Just because someone is repeating the same word doesnt mean theyre intoxicated lol. Its called a rant for a reason. There is no proof to him being intoxicated in this invertiew, no links, none of the reporters present have ever said that either. And just listening to what he is saying and watching him, he is clearly sober and coherent, just frustrated with the media.

[@mohamedcoulibaly5774]

wook1990 or maybe you don’t have any synonyms for that word.. or maybe you wanted to make a point about the stupidity of the comment.. you get slapped by the Celtics, your best friend died, and people still ask you about practice? Like practice? That wasn’t even the 1000th most important thing on his mind.

[@Armennii]

@@wook1990 First of all don't call me a dumbass when you have absolutely no proof of him being intoxicated. Repeating a word multiple times to state a point doesn't mean you're intoxicated fool smh. On top of that people who know him personal and who have been around him while he was intoxicated have stated that he definitely was not. You have no idea what you're talking about clown

[@NatnaelG]

“What’s your question Philip?”😂😂 18:53

[@streetkiazNewMexico]

Chill Phillipe 😂

[@Hooderaw]

RIP Phil Jasner!!!!

[@ECovYouDug]

LMAO

[@bk5197]

Natnael G 18:50

[@houstonwehaveaproblem4798]

Lol the fact he was mocking him by saying he never heard of him because "Philip" claimed he played basketball haha

[@TrumpUpTheVolume99]

Freaking LOVED watching this dude play the game. He absolutely left it all on the floor every time he stepped out there. A legend.

[@Summanininruhu]

Allen,s voice, body,face was so extremely expressive i shed tears' am serious.

[@zzeronerzz]

I love how he said it so many time to drill the fact how stupid it sounds. Hell yeah.

[@Faustaine]

This is a pure honesty moment for Iverson and the media still trashed him with it.

[@eburgrod8772]

AI is REAL. He also gave the greatest hall of fame speech in history of any sport. I’m from Iowa and been a Sixer fan since Dr J. Nobody has ever played harder game after game than Allen Iverson !

[@External12]

He really kept his composure. Love this press conference.

[@davidjudah4578]

A.I. was the Tupac of the NBA

[@emorymarshall7472]

both geminis🙌🙌

[@abelalatorre1903]

@@emorymarshall7472 bruh stfu 😐

[@emorymarshall7472]

@@abelalatorre1903????

[@user-qd9nx5tu5q]

@@emorymarshall7472 it’s just a coincidence bro the month your born in doesn’t decide anything

[@lou6742]

Cap Tupac was corny and a hypocrite

[@vadeepest07]

I look back at this interview, and he is one of the most misunderstand individuals ever!

[@mlgfin]

AI been my favorite player since I was in 4th grade, I’ve never watched this full interview before and I’m glad it’s on here

[@Boxhead__87]

That’s the same vibe I got bro. It just goes to show how media take truth and spin it into a comedic narrative. Throughout the whole interview he was candid and even spoke on losing his best friend.

[@jacobmartin9446]

One of my all time favorites. "We ain't talkin about the game I die for, we talkin about practice" I love AI

[@achieveacademy]

This guy has no facade in front of reporters and being himself. This takes balls

[@Peaceseeker1081]

Remember watching this live in '02. I'm glad ESPN decided to upload this whole press conference to really get the full perspective of what he was saying instead of the most entertaining parts about "practice." I still marvel at how great AI was in a league full of giants and this dude was 6 ft. 165 in his prime dominating. Unbelievable player, MVP & special talent & well deserved HOFer.

[@rejjie_thedeity]

And then drose came.

[@lilt1482]

@@rejjie_thedeity AI >Drose any day of the week brother

[@rejjie_thedeity]

@@lilt1482 Drose in his prime vs AI in his. You honestly think AI could outperform DRose if you put younge AI om the bulls that rose had?

[@lilt1482]

nobody really feared rose more then they did AI Ai was pretty much like a shark he smelled blood he's coming at you for 48 mins and he wasn't a push over on defensive you dribble wrong or pass it his away it's a turnover and your not catching him going the other way lol

[@lilt1482]

@@rejjie_thedeity plus we never got to really see prime d rose honestly 😞sad cause tbh if he never got hurt you can honestly probably say now that he would be better than Ai atleast career wise

[@Hapistudios]

The dude lost his best friend so he understands there is more to life than basketball glory. AI is a real MVP, loves god, loves his family, loves his peoples

[@ivalinapasse2469]

He's Keeping it Real. 100% Good Talk!!!

[@kvngbraccs7512]

Some of y’all watched the whole interview and STILL don’t understand why he went on that “practice “ rant.

[@dzzyvilanova560]

Haha

[@juanvasquez6535]

He was putting the ridiculousness of the question in sharp relief. The media was too stupid to catch on to his simple Socratic approach. That dude's IQ was at least 10 points higher than anyone in the room. This video is the proof.

[@mr.dawson1988]

@@juanvasquez6535 Nobody in the room had common sense😂😂😂

[@gregorysimmons6090]

they don’t understand how real he was

[@AD3Basketball]

We need this type of real energy now in the NBA. AI is the realest NBA player ever. This interview is much much more than just his practice rant, but they don’t talk about that though.

[@_angeflow]

Every couple years I come back to this and its almost grounding watching your hero be human

[@lraoux]

I like the part when he relates to us all as humans. It's like he's so great to everyone and has so much talent yet, at the end of the day, he's still the same as you and me, struggling to get by in this same life day by day.

[@AlistairMcKinley]

I love this man. He was speaking the truth and I'm glad that I found this interview. I wish that more superstars would speak like he did.

[@FirefighterBobby]

If you think too much, overthink afterwards all your life, you are not going to have a body that could attack Shaq. Nature/Universe has ballance.

[@ilanwiniarsky7236]

What’s the context. What’s he upset about

[@princesskc92]

Watching this for the first time in years and I just want to hold him and let him cry. This man was HURTING. The media is absolutely ruthless.

[@allracesinone3374]

I love A.I. I do not think we will see another player like him on or off the court and certainly not with his iconic personality. I truely wish him, his family, and progeny the very best in life.

[@kabelomaragelo2745]

This interview quickly turned 💔

[@LonghornsLegend]

The media really was outta pocket this presser

[@shana4604]

This is by far the best and raw interview in the industry ❤ He spoke his truth and controlled that room. They were not ready for this man and they got what they got 😂

[@reginaldmclendon5796]

One of my favorite basketball players of all time, I love Allen Iverson, he is as real as they come, I really respect what he brings to the table much respect and much love.