76ERS Iverson fears police watching too closely
The NBA All-Star fears crooked cops may target his controversial reputation.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Speaking publicly for the first time about his off-the-court legal troubles last summer, NBA All-Star Allen Iverson says he is afraid police are after him and he may want to leave Philadelphia.
"I want to be in Philadelphia, but I'm scared to be here," he said.
Iverson gave an interview to The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News on Monday at the Philadelphia 76ers' practice facility, to blunt the impact of what he says is an upcoming unflattering television news report on his personal life. The interview was attended by his lawyer, Larry Woodward.
"I've heard about police officers toasting to Allen Iverson's next felony conviction," the 76ers' guard told the papers. "I'm hearing about them saying I'm involved with one thing or another, and it scares me. I know that if there's a crooked cop out there, they could do anything to me. He could do anything. Allen Iverson could wind up dead tomorrow if a crooked cop wants him dead. It's as simple as that."
Abuse denied
During the 90-minute interview, Iverson and his wife, Tawanna, denied reports of domestic abuse. He was charged with several felonies in July after an alleged domestic dispute with his wife. The charges were all dropped.
"My husband never hit me, and he did not throw me out of the house naked," Tawanna Iverson said.
In addition to his concerns about police, Iverson complained of "news cameras following my kids, my wife, my friends ... It just scares me, man.
Facing charges that could have added up to 70 years in prison last summer, and enduring the media frenzy that followed, along with the feeling that times are not about to get any better, the Iversons felt it was time to speak.
Allowed to speak
Anticipating that Philadelphia television station WXTF is planning a news segment raising questions about Iverson's off-court lifestyle, according to the Sixers and Woodward, the couple finally said they had had enough.
Iverson was finally given the green-light to speak from his lawyers, who had previously advised him to not discuss the ordeal.
WXTF news director Scott Matthews said it is the station's policy not to confirm or deny the content of any of its programs.
Police department spokesman Inspector William Colarulo said: "With regard to Mr. Iverson's concerns regarding police officers' behavior, let me state that the deputy commissioner would never tolerate anyone toasting or celebrating a person's next conviction, regardless of who they are. And I can assure you that any police misconduct of any nature would never be tolerated by [Police Commissioner] Sylvester Johnson."
Stakeout
The media staked out the Iverson house over the summer after Iverson and his uncle were accused of barging into a West Philadelphia apartment July 3 and threatening the two men inside during Iverson's angry search for his wife after he had kicked her out of their Main Line mansion. The charges were eventually dropped.
"Now, it may be over for everybody else, but not us," Tawanna said.
Iverson added: "I worry about Tawanna all the time. She rides with security before the game, after the game. There's security for 24 hours at our house. When I go on the road, I leave security with her. When she goes to the mall, I want her to have someone with her."
Woodward said, "They've become convinced that their situation is permanent. I think when you hear Allen's frustration, they've realized they have to wake up every morning and realize that this media frenzy will not go away."
Iverson said, "It's a bad thing but it's our thing."