Allen Iverson Retires From Basketball (VIDEO)

38 year old Allen Iverson has officially hung up his jersey and any hopes of returning to the NBA. “I gave everything I had to basketball,” Iverson said during his retirement press conference on Wednesday. A day we’ve known was coming for months. A.I. says that he initially thought this would be a sad day, he’s actually really happy. “The passion is still there. The desire to still play is just not. And I just feel good that I’m happy with the decision that I made and I’m just grateful.”

Iverson had a 14 year career in the NBA playing for the Sixers, Nuggets, Pistons and Grizzlies. Although he’s never won an NBA championship, his stats are remarkable. His attitude? Not so much.

Though Allen Iverson clashed with coaches and officials, one thing I loved about him was his heart. On the court A.I. played with so much passion that it radiated through TV screens. As a young teenager, he instantly became my favorite basketball player. Someone I admired and aspired to be just like. He had a fire in him. A true determination to win. Off the court, he was a strong willed fighter. Admirable to say the least.

Allen brought a certain style and finesse on and off the court. From his cornrows and tattoos, to his arm and head bands. He was a style crusader without really trying. “I always felt like it was cool being me,” he said. “I thought that was the style. I think that’s the style, being who I am and I had no problem with that.”

Controversy and financial problems plagued much of Allen’s later career. Though he tried to no avail to return to the NBA, he knew that eventually his time would be up.

So here’s to my favorite player to ever touch the court. You changed the game, Bubba Chuck and because of you, I still don’t go to practice