Iverson Retires From NBA

Allen Iverson is planning to retire from the NBA, nationally syndicated radio host and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Stephen A. Smith reports.

Iverson’s representatives have told Smith of Iverson’s plans on Wednesday.

“I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association,” Iverson said in a statement on StephanA.com, Smith Web site. “I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.

“I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.”

Iverson, who has played 14 seasons in the NBA, played three games with the Memphis Grizzlies but complained about coming off the bench. The team then gave him a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. The two sides eventually agreed to part ways and Iverson was waived.

Iverson had been close to signing with the New York Knicks last week but the deal fell through.