Jason Sudeikis on the Hidden Truths Behind Ted Lasso’s Allen Iverson Tribute

The star, co-creator, and executive producer spoke to IndieWire about getting recognized as Ted Lasso, what's next in Season 2, and that pivotal scene about A.I.
Ted Lasso isn’t a man who’s easily riled. Typically, the AFC Richmond coach is all smiles and appreciation, flashing a double thumbs up at his boss and slapping his lucky “believe” sign for extra encouragement. Ted, played by series co-creator Jason Sudeikis, is a man that’s extremely easy to love, and just as hard to hate - so long as you take the time to get to know him.
Jamie Tartt (played by Phil Dunster) only makes time for himself. The star player and self-assured celebrity is focused on what’s best for Jamie, no matter what, so it was only a matter of time before he and his new coach butted heads.
In “Two Aces,” Episode 6 of the first season, Ted has finally had enough. Jamie, pouting over getting benched, claims to have an injury that will keep him out of practice. Considering the reason Ted sat him in the first place is because Jamie won’t support his teammates, this latest selfish choice sends the happy-go-lucky coach over the edge.
What follows is a nearly word-for-word recitation of Allen Iverson’s impromptu speech during a 2002 press conference, in which the 11-time NBA All-Star was pressed on an issue brought up by his coach, Larry Brown, about missing practice.
Given that “Ted Lasso” is a comedy and that Iverson’s remarks were widely (and mistakenly) mocked, it would be easy to assume the scene is little more than a convenient send-up; that the writers saw a similarity between what they’ve written and Iverson’s speech, leaning in to the latter as a jokey homage for all the sports fans out there. But those who watch the scene closely, who take the time to note Sudeikis’ performance and hear what he has to say, likely recognize this “rant” isn’t about mining a memorable excerpt for easy laughs. It’s not about laughs at all.
“The reference by no means ever played to me as funny,” Sudeikis said in an interview with IndieWire. “Maybe somebody would say the moment is clever, but it was repurposing what I feel was a protest song by Allen Iverson in that moment and turning it into an opera, charged with more emotion.”
To do that, Sudeikis waited. He had followed Iverson’s career since high school, and the actor-writer-producer always knew he wanted to include a scene featuring his speech in “Ted Lasso” - he just assumed it would be during one of Ted’s many press conferences. But after Jamie and Ted had their mid-match fallout, the stage was set for their confrontation over practice.
“I remember a couple of days before, it may have been the night before, I was like, ‘Oh shit.’ It just hit me: the Iverson speech,” Sudeikis said. “And it’s going to be in protest, not comedy.”
But there’s still one more key facet to appreciating the scene as a serious moment, not a comic bit. Seven months before Iverson’s press conference, his best friend Rahsaan Langeford was shot and killed. Iverson struggled throughout the basketball season, both on the court and off, and he even alludes to as much during that very press conference.
“I’m upset for one reason: Because I’m in here. I lost. I lost my best friend. I lost him, and I lost this year,” Iverson said later in speech. “Everything is just going downhill for me, as far as just that - you know, as far as my life. And then I’m dealing with this. … My best friend is dead. Dead. And we lost. And this is what I have to go through for the rest of the summer until the season is all over again.”
That part of the press conference wasn’t widely featured in the ensuing news coverage and isn’t included in plenty of clips still floating around the internet today. Many believe Iverson’s perceived incredulity was simply misconstrued grief, and Sudeikis said he also sees Iverson’s speech being “misinterpreted by popular culture.”
“He was angry about being asked about practice - and he says this right then and there - but he’s also dealing with the death of a very close friend,” Sudeikis said. “It’s put him in a box in many people’s minds. […] It’s, ‘Oh, he wasn’t a practice player,’ and no, he’s one of the hardest competing people in sports. To be 6’1” and dominate as he did at that time in the NBA is astounding. He was like, ‘Why are you asking me about this? I’m dealing with real pain, and you’re asking me about practice.”
Not everyone will get all that when they watch the scene. Not everyone will even pick up on the reference to Iverson’s speech in general, and some who do will still misunderstand its meaning. That’s OK by Sudeikis.
#TedLasso
#JasonSudeikis
#AllenIverson

[@joannecritchley7141]

This show has got me through chemo. It's really lifted my spirits. I just can't love it any more ❤️

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

That's great to hear, thanks for sharing something very personal and 🤞 I hope you make a full recovery The character hit me hard as I got through nearly 40 years of life and suddenly out of the blue 2 years ago I started suffering with panic attacks and I know it's nowhere remotely close to what you must be going through right now but to see a character go through what I'm going through especially a character who on the outside seems like the most positive, joyous person in the world be reduced to a quivering wreck struggling to stay conscious and breathe while people around you try anything to help made me empathise even more with Ted. I'm glad the series is getting more popular by the day as it really lifted my mood and perspective on life, when a show can make you cry laughing and just plain old cry it's definitely a show worth rewatching over and over again.

[@Whatdocowsdrink]

Hope you’re doing well Joanne 👍🏻

[@kristilisakleiner9384]

May you have an easier time of it, recover beautifully and know you are surrounded by angels

[@ForeverNostalgia22]

you got this joanne! praying for your full recovery!!

[@angelomorales1932]

Wishing you a speedy recovery Joanne!

[@linus0804]

Jason Sudeikis is brilliant

[@ozzieenglelewis]

An interview with an intelligent and interesting person is so much better when the interviewer knows how to listen

[@janetberry1042]

Certainly not like a Howard Stern interview!

[@missmayette]

YES!!!! A true interviewer is barely heard.

[@lseward21]

I am constantly amazed at the attention to detail as well as the complexity of characters and storylines in this show. Frankly, I can’t think of any show that mixes great comedy with anger and mental collapse to such a degree. I have laughed, been stunned and surprised, and cried. Through it all the ultimate kindness, optimism, and caring of Ted Lasso comes through. I wish we could become a world filled with Ted Lassos - and that I could be one of them.

[@arshaddahlan]

I highly recommend After Life. It's far more lowkey, but it also blends comedy with anger/mental collapse perfectly imo! 💛

[@coreysmaller]

I agree !

[@stuarttroutman7583]

Bro you totally described how the show went for me as well!

[@annleslie7826]

Linda Seward 💯 with you!

[@joannecritchley7141]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@SteveSmartPoetryandMusic]

I love the flip of 'I'd really appreciate it' being said with such boiling fury, after hearing Ted say 'I appreciate you' so many times with such kindness.

[@Ginger515]

Outstanding interview. There’s such a vibe of sincerity from Jason whenever I catch him on an interview just being himself. I absolutely love this guy. Kudos to the interviewer as well!

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@rosed9628]

The interviewer is really very well-researched and prepared. Emotionally relevant questions.

[@annaiorio4543]

I wish more online interviewers were like this. Let the person talk and not rush them to the next question, because they have a list they have to get through. Really upsetting when that happens. Jason is really putting thought into the answer and just shows how much he loves this show.

[@annaiorio4543]

@@ericdane2556 Your career is inspiring! Ted Lasso is so well written! The cast you put together is unbelievable! Especially, Hannah and Juno! Thankyou so much for replying!

[@rosed9628]

Amy Poehler said of Lesley Knope that playing that character added years to her life; that it was a joy to go to work and tell everyone how much you loved them and to be so positive all the time. It's the same thought with Jason and Ted I think.

[@wakeupbell2491]

What a great interviewer. He listens, doesn't interrupt, asks smart, relevant questions, and seems totally present. What a breath of fresh air. Unfortunately, I don't think his name is given anywhere in this.

[@nancynyberg1123]

As much as I want to say, “Trent Crimm, The Independent,” It is Ben Travers from IndieWire and I agree about the excellent interviewing skills.

[@stevencooke6451]

Great interview. Let's Jason/Ted do most of the talking and it feels so intimate. Great take on the "Practice" press conference. I didn't know about Iverson losing someone close to him. Jason rightly corrects that perception that Allen was not arguing that he hated practice: as he says, Iverson was loved in large part because of his work rate and the fact that his brilliant success was so improbable. The show makes so many things that must be incredibly difficult look effortless.

[@vangeles11]

Excellent interview with well thought and insightful questions. This show is so damn good, it balances the comedy with the drama and life lessons. The cinematography, music arrangements, everything plays a major role and they all come together so perfectly. I will never stop recommending this show to anyone.

[@Kglov]

I’m with you 100%. I tell everyone I know, or don’t, that they must watch this show. As in drop everything and watch it immediately!

[@dougimmel]

This for me is to Sports, Drama Comedy, as West Wing was to Politics, Intellect and Reparte....I LOVE it.

[@HeatherHurstComedy]

As someone who didn’t catch the Iverson reference and was feeling baffled by that scene, I really appreciate this Q&A. It adds another layer to a show I adore, from the depth of the references, the nuance of the characters, the arcs of the relationships, so thank you for this. (Looking up full Iverson press conference now)

[@lw1391]

Look up the song Press Hop, by Steve Porter as well.

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@fayesouthall6604]

Likewise!

[@chrisjfox8715]

I didn't know the reference either, but I was drawn to Ted's intensity. Now knowing, it's outstanding the way the same exact words are flipped to having such a different, almost opposite context.

[@Seilolo]

I remember the big hullabaloo about the Iverson speech. My ex is into sports and I seem to remember watching that speech SEVERAL times, so I got the reference right away.

[@greenspectrum]

I think it's clear to me that Jason has tried to incorporate some of Ted that he wants in himself, and I thank him for it!

[@rabbitinnh]

Like so many others, Ted Lasso is my favorite show in many years. But I also want to call out to Ben Travers. I hadn't seen him before but he's one of the best interviewers asking the most interesting questions that I've seen in quite some time.

[@greenspectrum]

The passion and meaning and complexity and compassion in this show and its people is amazing and rewarding ❤️

[@ODUBlue]

The actor who plays Coach Beard, Brendan Hunt, told Sudeikis that if this is his crowning achievement, it was because it had the most of his DNA and heart in it. And I think that’s rather lovely. And also telling about the kind of man Jason Sudeikis is!

[@MarthaGarvey]

Truly. I had never heard Iverson's speech, or known where it had come from in his heart. I feel as if I went to comedy AND compassion university with this clip.

[@JonEnge]

Ben, I have watched a bunch of interviews about Ted Lasso and your questions are fantastic! This is the best I've seen. Thank you!

[@ynwa9621]

Finally! An interviewer with excellent questions! Well done! It’s a deep and riveting interview because of the questions. Just what the fans wanted.

[@lorenrich2525]

He stands out in anything I’ve ever seen him on from SNL to movies

[@troybaker8113]

Every coaching staff I’ve ever been on mentions the Allen Iverson practice line at least twice a year

[@nathanielLEGACY]

Thank you for explaining the ACTUAL reason this sound bite hear the airwaves. So many outlets didn’t put the whole story out just the sound bite and made him look bad when it was undeserved. Excellent reference Jason!! Loved it AI is my fav player and was a rookie my freshman year on high school and I emulated him on the court. Such a badass

[@zbutler3111]

Whenever I get into a show, I can't help but take on aspects of the lead characters....ie Micheal Scott, Ron Swanson, John Dory etc....with Ted Lasso, it has had an amazing, unexpectedly positive impact on my life. Thanks for that

[@notthesamecc1927]

I learned something new today. Damn, I used the Iverson comment negatively all this time without knowing the whole context. Shame on me.

[@kaytoca-skywalker8909]

Ted Lasso is a terrific show! Great interview with Jason

[@fidelianapitupulu8558]

just love how this interview shines a light unto how jason incorporates all these things he learnt in improv and writing into portraying Ted

[@rachelkutner2838]

I love this show and Jason Sudeikis so much at this point

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@damidget41]

Amazing interview. Great questions. Didn't feel stale. Great focus on letting Jason speak as well. Hoping to see more content like this!

[@IFist]

Also being from KC ( as is Jason), I love all the references to Kansas City and Kansas!

[@justinmix143]

Ben Travers is such a solid interviewer.

[@C.Chandler_May]

As a Sixer's fan I'm constantly amazed how Allen's rant was taken out of context. His best friend had just died, missed practice because of that. He says so before they just edit that out. Sure he was a bit of a jackass but he balled hard every game. And yet you're taking Abt practice..

[@AHB9191]

Same. It breaks my heart. As a Philly guy and a Sixers fan, seeing how he was essentially demonized over this for years without no one ever bringing up the context that was IN THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE is something that still upsets me to this day.

[@C.Chandler_May]

@@AHB9191 word.

[@notthesamecc1927]

@@AHB9191 ya, i am guilty of believing it until this video. wow.

[@lw1391]

Not a game, not a game, not a game ...

[@birdsfan5440]

@@AHB9191 maybe the media demonized him but I think most fans didn't care and laughed at it

[@MaxZen1968]

Great Interview, we need more

[@eeeee259]

what a brilliant interview

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@charlesbeaudry3263]

Ted Lasso like other shows like The Expanse are illustrative of the power of the long form where the writers have the time to properly develop the characters. The plot move forward by the characters.

[@happyartmarti]

Insightful questions with such generous answers from Jason. I love all the nuance of this show. Every time a scene has a stand out moment I know it will be worth it to dig deeper and suss out the meaning. Smart people doing great work together! Thanks for this look into part of Jason’s creative process.

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@waldosgrade]

Great interview. Well researched and thoughtful themes to explore with Jason.

[@Jomo1438]

This is a great interview. Jason having the time and space to think and respond made the difference. Good job!

[@paschamcalister5301]

I loved the use of Iverson's speech - to illustrate the original seriousness so people understand the original and how biting it was intended to be. Also loved the irony of how comedy was associated with Iverson, so the tension was dissipated...versus Ted having comedy actively dissociated with comedy in a comedy series.

[@PickpocketJones]

It's probably the only scene in season 1 or 2 that I look back on and think was awkward and forced.

[@paschamcalister5301]

@@PickpocketJones I think it was meant to be awkward. The character tasked with being light-hearted isn't...and it's by choice...and very public.

[@kristilisakleiner9384]

Thank you so much for making space for Jason to talk and your active listening

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@annangelinaballatore7395]

infinite love and gratitude

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@fayesouthall6604]

Superb interview. Ben asks the best questions, listening carefully to the answers.

[@nuggetcarroll]

What an interesting interview. I know nothing about sport so this was a great insight. Thank you. The folk behind Ted Lasso I think, would be perfect to make a new Superman TV series. The choices in doing the right thing - those complexities and choices and the easiness to give into cynicism and despair are something in an entertaining, action, adventure, dramatic comedy series could really lift up a Superman series I think. And Jason would be a great Perry White.

[@bonnieeliseyoutube]

Excellent interview thank you

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@PastorFunK]

You’re the man, Jason!!!!

[@gsbealer]

Watching it for the second time now.

[@cristinaf3844]

Great, insightful questions and conversation. Nice job!

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@caitlinmalley]

Great interview

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@kasondaleigh]

Great interview.

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@shellyd9287]

I f*¢king L⚽️VE this man and story‼️

[@hollychoate8146]

I love this show! Everything about it connects me to the writing and the acting and to the characters who are the actors!!! WOW

[@hollychoate8146]

@@ericdane2556 lol …my phone & Santa Fe NM

[@hollychoate8146]

…great to watch this ‘cuz Hey! 🥰LOVE ThE SHIOW!!!!

[@hollychoate8146]

@@ericdane2556 I imagine you enjoy the show as much as we do and I’m sure it’s plenty of work with all the banter etc! It’s great! …and I know it’ll be on for a good long while!!!

[@hollychoate8146]

My name is Holly Choate… Santa Fe, NM

[@davidsandberg7631]

I live just down the road from Fort Scott.....

[@LuxLisbon26]

Thank you!!!! I have been wanting to know about the genesis of that scene! For me it was the performances, the way that it was shot, Phil Duster's performance without saying a word that made the scene have a punch of a dramatic impact. That said, yeah AI's press conference has been mischaracterized but ain't no one gonna tell me he wasn't a selfish player who had a bad habit of getting in his own way

[@MarthaGarvey]

Sudeikis was brilliant in Colossal.

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@DeepakKumar87]

Harry Kane should watch the "practice" scene :D

[@LuxLisbon26]

YES!!!!!!!! Or Nuno should memorize it and give it to him!

[@heathhadsell]

i thought for sure Brett was a real footballer

[@Whatdocowsdrink]

Hope you all have a great day and I hope Ted Lasso inspires you 🔥🙏🏻 ⚽️

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@lizaronni]

Speaking of f-bombs, it really strikes me how wholesome the show feels when you think about how much profanity is tossed around. But it’s hard to notice most of the time. And even when the subject of foul language was explored in a Season 2 plot line, they made it so f*cking heartwarming!

[@lisaorlando1224]

One of my favorite lines is about how you stop noticing them and just get sucked into the narrative.Unfortunately, when I get sucked into my own narrative, I start dropping them, often inappropriately. As Roy points out, it’s expected when you’re a footballer. I’m not…

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

I have only just discovered the show and thought it would just be your typical culture clash show with all jokes based around that and it's loosely based around the premise of the movie 'Major League' where the ex wife purposely tries to tank the team. Add that to the fact that I'm a British football fan and just thought the Americans would get the technical aspect of football so wrong that it would annoy me. Boy was I wrong. 2 days of binge watching and now I'm like a junkie clamouring for my next Ted Lasso fix

[@JonEnge]

I love seeing that wa their intention from the beginning. We're going to do this thing like Major League but then turn it on its ear. Boy did they. Best show... Ever?

[@missmayette]

I was the same. I resisted watching until recently and then I watched both seasons in two days, and then restarted all over again because I hadn't gotten enough. There's something magical about this show. Feel good but also relatable.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

@@missmayette watching Nate's early scenes knowing what's to come is interesting on the re-watch. With sitcoms they can't afford to be subtle in their writing so everyone knew what was coming by mid season 2 but you can see subtle hints to Nate's future earlier than I realised on first viewing

[@johnb2422]

@@A-small-amount-of-peas I could always tell he had a lot of darkness inside but I didn't realize he would turn that dark. It makes sense, he is complex. I like his character.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

@@johnb2422 I think his relationship with his father might get addressed more hopefully next season as you can see he had been craving approval and belief from a father figure but got none from his own disapproving dad and there are subtle hints to this in the first 2 seasons He is a very interesting character you're right. Great performance from Nick Mohammed and great writing

[@kariauerbach197]

Not too much of a sports fan so I totally didn't catch the Iverson reference at all. I thought it was a rare outburst from Ted, made funny by the British tendency to use the word TRAINING rather than 'practice'. Glad to know the layers to this scene...

[@kariauerbach197]

@@ericdane2556 Hells Kitchen in New York City. I cannot wait for the new season. My fingernails are nibbled to the quick! ❤️👏👏👏

[@Backpackfiles]

For some, it wasn't just clever or funny; but an epic cross-cultural moment. Respect to Jason and to the Answer- Allen Iverson.

[@scottbarr4249]

you can't hold water with a closed fist

[@careya]

I didn’t know about the Iverson speech; I was thinking about Ben Simmons during that speech.

[@ericdane2556]

Thanks for your unending love and support. I can't get enough of the love you've been showing me which has been an inspiration to my career. I'm grateful. Where are you watching from?

[@gerrylopez5743]

You know he lives in nyc right? I think we know the difference between Jason and Ted.

[@jparker5448]

I'm hoping for a reference to Mike Gundy's "I'm a man" rant in S3.

[@SunRider69]

Bring me a shrubbery

[@Trapper50cal]

A nice one but not too expensive...

[@srconrad]

Ni!

[@bobbykilroy860]

we talking bout practice ?

[@DebbieHappyCohen]

Hey interviewer, what’s your name? Dude, don’t be like Nate S1E1!

[@DebbieHappyCohen]

@@ericdane2556 SAY WHHHAAAT????!!! IS THIS REALLY YOU???!!! KOOOOOLIO!!!! I'M WATCHING FROM MENTONE ALABAMA, ON LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN. COME FOR A VISIT, YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE!!!

[@smw4628]

He's a hard guy not to like.

[@gerrylopez5743]

You were bad in math. Not 80%. 95%.

[@christopherbarney8424]

I love the show, but is it me or is Sudeikis Coked out of his skull during this interview?

[@Sallysask]

I think he looks tired.

[@babscorley]

It’s you

[@maryball1022]

No way. What you're seeing is someone getting to fully answer questions and not getting interrupted by the interviewer.