Iverson denies being drunk during ‘practice’ rant

A new book alleges Allen Iverson was drunk during his infamous "practice" press conference.

Kent Babb, in “Not a Game: The Incredible Rise and Unthinkable Fall of Allen Iverson,” relays then-76ers coach Larry Brown’s suspicions. Then-Philadelphia general manager Billy King also said Iverson seemed off, though he didn’t assume drinking was the cause.

ESPN:

In a conversation with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith that he relayed on "First Take,"Allen Iverson denied being drunk during his 2002 "practice" rant.

According to Smith, Iverson said he was "being lied on" and was firm in his denial of Babb’s claim.

We can’t know whether Iverson was drunk or not. His denial certainly means something, though it hardy proves anything.

But how about the other, more harmful, drinking-fueled incidents Babb alleges – the spousal and child abuse? Those are far more important than a silly press conference.