Iverson Battles Gambling, Alcohol Problems: Report

Former 76ers guard Allen Iverson’s personal problems seem to keep piling up.

The latest news is that multiple league sources are worried about A.I. saying that he is battling alcohol and gambling problems, reported the Inquirer’s Stephen A. Smith.

“Iverson is in trouble, folks, deep trouble,” wrote Smith. “The combination of alcohol and gambling -- and a once-promising career in tatters because of the first two -- won't culminate in anything short of disaster if help does not arrive in short order.”

“The Answer” didn’t seem to really be the answer in his second stint with the Sixers. He only lasted 25 games as he averaged 13.9 points, 4.1 assists and three boards per game.

Iverson was in and out of the Sixers lineup as he shuttled between Philly and Atlanta to care for his sick 4-year-old daughter Messiah.

Eventually the team announced that A.I. wouldn’t be coming back. It turns out he had more personal problems that just his daughter’s illness.

The same day the Sixers ended their marriage with A.I., Iverson’s wife (and long-time partner) Tawanna filed for divorce asking for alimony and full custody of the couple’s five kids.

The hope was that someone in Iverson’s inner-circle would come to his aid and give the fallen star the tough love needed to right his personal life, said Smith.

Will it happen? Fans of the beloved but troubled stars sure hope so.

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