Best of Full Interview: Allen Iverson On 'Misunderstood,' NBA Career & Relationships Challenges, Not Winning a Ring +More

Summary

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The Breakfast Club: Best of Full Interview with Allen Iverson

Podcast: The Breakfast Club
Hosts: DJ Envy, Angela Yee, Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Allen Iverson
Episode Date: December 23, 2025
Episode Theme:
A heartfelt, candid conversation with NBA legend Allen Iverson, exploring his new book Misunderstood, the complexities of his relationships, his impact on basketball and culture, lessons around fame and loyalty, his struggles with not winning a title, and the journey toward personal growth and accountability.

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Main Theme and Purpose

This episode features an in-depth interview with Allen Iverson ("AI"), focusing on his just-released memoir Misunderstood. The conversation delves into Iverson’s storied NBA career, the trials and pain of being misunderstood both on and off the court, the challenging dynamics of fame, money, loyalty, and personal relationships, and his evolution as a man. Iverson offers powerful reflections on authenticity, the consequences of loyalty, why he never won a ring, and the wisdom he’s gained in finding peace with who he is.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Navigating Friendship, Loyalty, and Money

Timestamps: [04:24]–[19:11], [64:43]–[67:32]

• Iverson opens up about the difficulty of navigating friendships after achieving fame—how friends become “family,” but the dynamics get complicated with money.
  • "I got so much flack when I first got into the league ... it was the entourage ... You want them to go on the ride with you ... but the money, man ..." (Allen Iverson, [05:10])
• He explains his deep sense of loyalty, the pain when friends betray that, and learning the hard way how people react when you finally say “no.”
  • "You tell them no once, and their reaction would say it all." (Iverson, [08:29])
• AI is candid about times when he was taken advantage of, and the emotional toll of realizing that not everyone felt the same loyalty.
  • "Some people wake up in their life just not where they want it to be. And the first thing you could think of is blame it on Chuck." (Iverson, [11:52])
• He speaks about boundaries, how he learned to say “no,” and how rare it is for someone to admit they’ve taken advantage of him—even offering a recent example.
  • "One person [apologized]. And my man was telling me the same thing you just said ... but he keeps doing it." (Iverson, [66:09])
• Angela Yee reframes AI’s generosity as accountability and not an excuse:
  • "There's not one excuse in that book ... all it is, is accountability throughout the whole." (Yee, [56:50])

2. Fame, Pressure, and Never Winning a Ring

Timestamps: [19:17]–[21:40], [43:26]–[44:43]

• Iverson discusses the immense pressure of being a cultural icon and of never winning a championship, and how that factors into his sense of self-worth.
  • "I didn't win a championship, but I'm the people's champ." (Iverson, [43:20])
  • "Millions and millions ... I was told I was too small. I couldn't make it ... I'm a Hall of Famer ... All star, scoring champion ... just not a champion." (Iverson, [44:36])
• He reflects on coming up short against historical talents (Kobe and Shaq) and finds gratitude for his career, rooting for players who haven't won titles.

3. The Legacy of Being “Misunderstood”

Timestamps: [21:29]–[24:43], [80:13]–[83:04]

• The hosts dig into why “Misunderstood” is the right title for his book.
  • "Did people ... just not take the time to understand you?" (Yee, [21:29])
  • "[The NBA] profited off it too ... you want me, but you want some of me ... I took the ass whooping for it." (Iverson on culture clash, [31:02])
• Iverson shares how people’s perceptions are often formed without understanding the context of his life, upbringing, and choices.
  • "I dress like the dudes, the drug dealers from my neighborhood ... that's what I grew up around ... And David Stern and rest of the NBA ... nah, because it was all right when I was doing it, but then everybody else said, okay ... So then the league was like, hold on, we gotta do something about that." (Iverson, [31:46]–[33:30])
• His sense of being “misunderstood” was both a burden and a blessing, as he laid the groundwork for individuality in the league:
  • "All I want is for people to get out of it, man: it's all right to be you." (Iverson, [83:04])

4. Culture, Fashion, and Individuality

Timestamps: [31:02]–[34:46], [80:13]–[83:04]

• Iverson describes how his personal style (cornrows, jewelry, baggy clothes) became controversial, but then inspirational to a generation of players and fans.
• He never wanted to diminish his roots just to conform, even as he faced backlash for it.
  • "Why would everybody dress the same? You got different basketball games. Why everybody look the same?" (Iverson, [34:40])
• Now, he recognizes that his authenticity enabled new generations to express individuality.

5. Personal Evolution: Sobriety, Growth, and Relationships

Timestamps: [50:05]–[72:44]

• Iverson discusses giving up drinking, its effect on his family and relationships, especially with his long-time partner Tawanna.
  • "[Since giving up alcohol] I feel like I'm the guy she always wanted me to be ... I can help better. My advice is better ... this is clear." (Iverson, [70:44])
• He shares on the deeper work of relationship repair, admitting his mistakes, and the humility it took to rebuild trust after divorce and reconciliation.
  • "I was selfishly thinking about my demise. Because I know ... I can't live without her ... I took her love for me for granted." (Iverson, [69:36])
• AI's honest about the harsh realities of fame, its isolating effect, and the enduring need for boundaries and peace at home.

6. Key Moments: Infamous “Practice” Rant and Family

Timestamps: [39:17]–[41:22], [46:43]–[48:43]

• Iverson finally explains the infamous "practice" press conference, contextualizing his anger and grief at losing a loved one right before it.
  • "Best friend just got killed. ... This dude just keep on asking me about practice, practice, practice ... I'm like, this is not what we here for. ... Let's rejoice. Let's be happy." (Iverson, [39:36])
• His commitment to family is a running thread, with relatable, sometimes humorous moments like his aunt braiding his hair courtside.
  • "If you don't put rubber bands in my joint, then it would come out ... so my aunt came and just fixed it up. It was simple as that." (Iverson, [46:14])

7. The Challenge and Beauty of Being a People’s Icon

Timestamps: [75:31]–[79:25], [80:13]–[83:04]

• He addresses the joys and exhaustion of being recognized as AI everywhere, and the sometimes overwhelming demands of fans.
  • "Somebody gonna see you and feel like, this is the last opportunity I'm ever gonna get to see him ... And it's like, you want to be ... It's so much ... but when you come in the crib, it's supposed to be peace." (Iverson, [74:10])
• Philadelphia’s embrace of Iverson is acknowledged as unique, mutual, and enduring.
  • “I think I have the best relationship with a fan base, I think, in sports history ... I played every game like it was my last. And if, you know, Philadelphia, that's all they really want.” (Iverson, [77:28])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Fame and Loyalty:
  "When you tell them no, the way they act, you know, somebody saying, yo, man, what's up with your man, AI? Damn ... But the people that know me and love me ... know I'm me." – Allen Iverson ([08:29])

• On Misunderstanding:
  "You want me, but you ... want some of me ... I took the ass whooping for it ... But the dress code thing, like, I actually was just ... 21. Where am I going after the game? I'm going to the club." ([31:02])

• On Winning & Self-Worth:
  "I didn't win a championship, but I'm the people's champ. ... I'm top 75 all time, you know how many players played this game, man?" ([43:20], [44:36])

• On Boundaries:
  "Boundaries, my brother. Nothing wrong with boundaries." – Angela Yee ([67:29])

• On Self-Acceptance & Legacy:
  "This is your world. ... This is the one shot you got to be happy." – Allen Iverson ([56:55])
  "All I want is for people to get out of [my story]: It's all right to be you." ([83:04])

• On Regret:
  "Do you regret anything? Nah. Because I wouldn't be who I am now. ... If I died and came back, I'd rather be me all over again." ([34:46])

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Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:24–19:11 | The perils of loyalty, friendship, and financial boundaries | | 21:29–24:43 | Why “misunderstood”? Cultural context, learning on the fly, and visibility | | 31:02–34:46 | Dress code controversy, individuality, and NBA’s embrace of style | | 39:17–41:22 | “Practice” rant explained—grief, pressure, and being misunderstood | | 43:20–44:43 | Never winning a ring, feeling like a champion without the title | | 50:05–72:44 | Sobriety, becoming a better friend, partner, and embracing growth | | 75:31–79:25 | The emotional cost of fandom and celebrity | | 80:13–83:04 | Changing black and basketball culture, legacy and celebration of individuality |

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Tone and Language

Throughout, the tone is open, candid, and often unfiltered. Iverson’s language is conversational, emotive, and direct, balancing humor, humility, and hard-won wisdom. The hosts maintain respect and admiration, keeping the atmosphere supportive yet probing.

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Summary Conclusion

This essential interview finds Allen Iverson deeply reflective and vulnerable, unpacking the emotional and practical challenges of being a trailblazer “misunderstood” by many. From the toll and loyalty of fame to his battles with money and public perception, AI remains unapologetically himself. He expresses gratitude for resilience, family, and personal growth, and hopes his story encourages others to be true to themselves. The conversation reveals the complexity of Iverson’s legacy—not just as a Hall-of-Famer, but as a cultural icon whose impact extends far beyond the basketball court.

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“All I want is for people to get out of it, man: it’s all right to be you.”
— Allen Iverson ([83:04])

Transcript

[Charlamagne Tha God]

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[Allen Iverson]

What a matchup we got, y'.

[Sophie Cunningham]

All.

[State Farm Narrator]

This is that classic HBCU vibe.

[Allen Iverson]

Non stop action.

[State Farm Narrator]

The band is rocking and the crowd lit chant.

[Allen Iverson]

Echo drum beat. Everybody showing that school pride game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere, adding ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo. No matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work.

[State Farm Narrator]

So grab a Coca Cola and keep.

[Allen Iverson]

That HBCU pride going.

[State Farm Narrator]

You've been working in the garage with your dad every week, Monday to Sunday, trying to get the old school up and running. Today, after all the hard work, y' all finally finished it. Even better. Your dad says all yours, son. Yep. Same car that belongs to your grandpa that your dad helped him fix. It's yours. To really keep the tradition going, you need to get State Farm insurance. Just like them. Generation to generation, remember to choose the agents that your family counted on. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

[DJ Envy]

Hey, what up, y'?

[Allen Iverson]

All?

[DJ Envy]

It's DJ Envy. And the holidays are here. The time of year that's all about connecting with loved ones in person or over the phone. And in fact, hearing someone's voice can evoke a similar emotional response as a hug. And while most of us can hop on a video chat to really bring that connection to life, using tech isn't easy for everyone, especially some of the older folk in our lives at&t has been doing something special Here to help, they offer digital literacy workshops that help older adults learn how to use technology to do things most of us take for granted, like video conferencing and sharing photos. Take Nancy Shand. She joined one of AT&T's workshops to learn how to video chat. For the first time this holiday season, Nancy won't just be hearing about family gatherings, she'll be a part of them, sharing stories, opening presents, and making memories all through a screen. Nobody should have to go through the holiday season alone. So be sure to connect and stay connected to your loved ones this holiday season.

[Sophie Cunningham]

Connecting changes everything. AT&T. This is Sophie Cunningham from Show Me Something. Do you know the symptoms of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, in adults with obesity? They may be happening to you without you knowing. If anyone has ever said you snore loudly, or if you spend your days fighting off excessive tiredness, irritability, and concentration issues, it may be due to osa. OSA is a serious condition where your airway partially or completely collapses during sleep, which may cause breathing interruptions and oxygen deprivation.

[Allen Iverson]

Learn more at.

[Sophie Cunningham]

Don't sleep on OSA.com this information is provided by Lily, a medicine company.

[Allen Iverson]

Every day I wake up.

[Angela Yee]

Wake your ass up.

[Allen Iverson]

Finished or y' all done?

[DJ Envy]

Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy. Just hilarious. Charlemagne. The God we are. The breakfast club. Lon LaRosa's here as well. We got a special guest in the building.

[Angela Yee]

Come on, man. Another cultural icon. We having a week of cultural icons, bro.

[DJ Envy]

AI. Alan Ives, Bumba, Chuck, whatever you want to call him. Mr. 757.

[Allen Iverson]

He's in the building.

[DJ Envy]

New book, Misunderstood, is out right now. Alan Iveson, ladies and gentlemen.

[Allen Iverson]

Good morning.

[DJ Envy]

How you feeling, man?

[State Farm Narrator]

Good.

[Allen Iverson]

Life, Life be life. It's the same fight, different round. You know what I mean? I want to. Before we start. How much time we got? As much time as you want, bro.

[Angela Yee]

What you mean?

[Allen Iverson]

Cuz? I don't know where this going to go, but look, man.

[DJ Envy]

Friends.

[Allen Iverson]

All right, So I know you know what type of I mean. I'm just mean, Jess. But you know, you know how you get to know somebody from afar and you can basically kind of tell what type of person they are, you know what I mean? Obviously, I've known you since I was in high school and big fan of you, bro. Move closer. Okay. My bad. Friendships, man. It's hard, you know what I mean? Because when you think about your friend, obviously, you know, you can't choose your family members, you know what I mean? You're born into that. But your friends, you feel like, you know, y' all got so much in common with each other, and you have so much love for them because, you know, they kind of like a. Basically a reflection of you, or you got the same type of things in common or whatever, and you just grow to love them like family. They become, you know, the guys become brothers, and your homegirls become your sisters. But it's rough, man, navigating through that, you know what I mean? I know how much I love my family, my friends. I got so much flack when I first got into the league, you know what I mean? It was the entourage. Absolutely. Bringing your homeboys from where you from, you trust them so much, you love them, you want them to go on the ride with you. You want them to take this journey, you know, through it is new to me. I've been poor all my whole life, and then snap of a finger, I'm rich and famous, and it's a lot, you know what I mean? So you want to have so many people around you that you love and you trust, you know what I mean? And the money, man, just. You know what I mean? It just, you know, and it's.

[Angela Yee]

It's.

[Allen Iverson]

It's so different for me, and it's so hard for me because with my athletic ability that I was blessed with, I've been like this since I was 8 years old. Like, I always felt that I was rich when I was poor. I always been famous, you know what I mean? When I was 8 years old, I go into barbershop and guys, 17, 18, 20, 25 years old, guys like, oh, shit, there you go, you know, that's the one right there. That's him. So it's always been that for me. I always had that attention, you know what I mean? I always been like that. And, you know, once I got some money, it was no different for me. Obviously, I could do things with my family and my friends that I couldn't do before. You know, that's. That goes without saying. And I've never had a person, you know, my nickname, obviously, you know, my name, Chuck. You know, I've never heard a person say, you know, Once Chuck got some money, he changed. Once Chuck got to the NBA, he changed, you know, I've never heard that, you know, before. Cause, you know, the people that know me and love me and the people that I love know I'm me. You know what I mean? That's one of my biggest fears, or had been one of my biggest fears. Of looking in the mirror and not being able to recognize, you know, well, my mom and the people that I love not be able to recognize who I see, you know what I mean? It meant something to me. But, man, just the painful lessons of friends not being who you think they, they are. When you add the root of all evil and the things.

[Angela Yee]

Did something just recently happen?

[Allen Iverson]

It happens. And the reason, definitely it happens all the time. But I feel a pendulum swinging in another direction as far as how I feel about it, like how it used to hurt me, you know what I mean? You, you tell someone you want to find out if somebody, your friend, you tell them no once.

[DJ Envy]

That's right.

[Allen Iverson]

That's right. You know what I mean? That's right. And, and their reaction would, would say it all, you know what I mean? Chuck. Hey, man, I got a business opportunity. I want to start this, I want to start that, man. Can you give me a hundred thousand? And you don't even have to tell them no. Yeah, you can say not right now, you know, later on, but these are the same people. Pay their rent, pay that over the years, child support, you know what I mean? You know, pay your mom rent, you know, this, that.

[Angela Yee]

Lawyer fees.

[Allen Iverson]

Lawyer fees. Every time you go to a jewelry store, you taking them, you know, because the most awkward feeling is, you know, for me, this is just me growing up, being young and, and not knowing, early in the preliminary stages of getting some money, you know what I mean? Like, I don't want to be shining and looking good and my homeboy is not. So when I go see Manny, you know what I mean? They going, you know what I mean? When I get caused, they get caused, you know what I mean? Like, and, you know, it's just like when you tell them no, the way they, you know, they act, you know, somebody saying, yo, man, what's up with your man, AI? You know, what's up with a man that. Damn, you know what I mean?

[Angela Yee]

Like, after reading your book, nobody should question your loyalty or ever say it, not the way you took care of.

[DJ Envy]

People, what you seen. But do you regret that?

[Allen Iverson]

Cause, I mean, I, I. You took Virginia with you everywhere you went. That's why I say the pendulum is swinging. That's what, that's why I say or feel that my maturation is on a higher level now. Because back then, when some traumatic will happen to me like that, and I see how they act for me telling them no, like, you know what I mean? Like, it's like I feel myself not giving a damn anymore. Like you know what I mean? Like, I'm talking about the same people that come to me, you know, be at my practice, 8 o' clock in the morning, you know, Christmas Eve, saying what their kids don't have, you know what I mean? One thing about the people that you love and people that love you or supposed to love you, is they know you better than anybody. They know my heart. You throw your kids in there, you know what I mean? Everybody know Christmas on the 25th of December every year, you know what I mean? But, man, my kids ain't gonna have nothing. You know what I mean? What I supposed to do?

[Angela Yee]

And something you said in the book that hit me, too, is you was like, man, you was that kid, so you understood what it felt to not have. So when they came to you, you was like, I got to do it.

[Allen Iverson]

And I had the mother and the father that hustled to get us what they could, but they couldn't get us things, you know, I wanted a moped for Christmas. I wanted certain things. And then you wake up that morning and it's not there. You know, you may have a, you know, pair of sneakers or T shirt, and that be the only thing you get, you know what I mean? So, you know, I ain't never want my homeboys, kids to, you know, look at them crazy. And now, you know, like, I've. I've years ago is. Is that, you know, I've. I've ran into the craziest shit. But years ago, you know, money got funny, you know what I mean? And, you know, I had realized at a point, like, I ain't have the word no in my vocabulary when it come to people, you know what I mean? Like, I. I was so used to. I never held anybody accountable for why I had to be the one taking care of everybody, you know what I mean? I was the one going to work every single day. I was breaking bones, stitches, hundred stitches in my face, you know what I mean? And it just. It just taught me a lot, man. And now, you know, I know life be life, and. But to be still dealing with those type of people and caring about how they feel when you know what you've done for them, you know, you wake up. And some people wake up in their life just not where they want it to be. And the first thing you could think of is blame it on Chuck. You know, figure out some way that I can blame it on somebody else to why my life is not what it is.

[DJ Envy]

Did you ever have imposter syndrome? And the reason I Asked as you.

[Allen Iverson]

Talk about all that, right?

[DJ Envy]

And I remember the bowling alley incident in Virginia. And it feels like regardless of what happened in va, you always came back and you always wanted to show the love no matter what happened. You talk about the people you put on, the city was against you. And Virginia could have been racist back then. Was really racist back then. We all seen it. But you still came back to that seven, five, seven. To show love.

[Allen Iverson]

I am va. I am va. That's me. It's in me. You know what I mean? And the crazy, crazy thing about. I was just talking to my man about this before we got in here. So I had to do all this stuff, you know, all my media runs and all that. Yesterday I had to sign a thousand books and, you know, take a thousand pictures, you know what I mean, with the people that bought the books. Beautiful. But I was, you know, I was tired. And right after that is my daughter's birthday. And I had to, you know, she wanted to be with me, so I had to, you know, take care of her after all of that. And I got done. Maybe I started at 6, got done like maybe 10 o'.

[State Farm Narrator]

Clock.

[Allen Iverson]

She wanted to go bowling and wanted to go to a escape room. Okay. But I had no idea that the escape room was like, you're in a jail, you know what I mean? I'm like, yo, this is your life for real. Like, out of all the places that she want to go on her birthday.

[Angela Yee]

A bowling alley, in a street, God damn.

[Allen Iverson]

In a jail.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah. You know what I mean?

[Allen Iverson]

Escape law. But she's smart.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Cause you gotta figure out how she.

[Allen Iverson]

Probably figured out how to get y' all outta there. But, you know, I'm thinking, like, the last place I wanna be from my memory is in a jail and then a bowling alley, you know what I mean? So, I mean, I wanna go back.

[Angela Yee]

To your friends thing real quick, right. Cause even in the book, there's nobody that felt like that was around you that didn't help you in some way, shape or form. So you was repaying them. Like, you talk about how when you was in jail, they was taking care of your mom and they were the ones that would tell you, you know, you're not gonna be hustling, you're gonna be playing ball. So it wasn't like you just had a bunch of leeches around you was. It was people that looked out for you, so you looked back out for them.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what? I would have done it anyway. Like, I ain't never expected, like, if I, you Know, if I look out for one of my. My homeboys, my homegirls, I don't expect you to give it back. You know what I mean? I ain't never asked for nothing back, you know what I mean? I just feel like me being the head of the snake, you know, it's like. It's like me, the perfect example. It's like me being on our 2001 team went to the finals. I'm the killer. Everybody know that. This is the guy gonna put the ball in the basket. This is what he do. Now, what we do is compliment him. We do everything else. All his deficiencies, the things that he can't do on the defensive end of the. You know, of the court. You know, he is. He's. He's lead the league and steals year after year, but you gotta gamble. And when he gamble, Dikembe is there to make sure I'm good. Theo is there. The block shots make sure I'm good. They could do all of the things that I couldn't do. And that's what. That's what made Voltron, you know what I mean? You put all those things together and that. I was. It was me and a bunch of dogs, you know what I mean? And it's the same thing with my friendship. Yeah, he's the guy, you know what I mean? He's like us, but he's not like us, you know? He is AI. So we gotta act accordingly to that. Yeah, he chucked to us, you know what I mean? But people look at him another way. So I have a role, you know? I have to do this. This is my part. This is what I have to do, you know what I mean? This is what I have to do, you know? And I don't know. I don't know if I said that, but looking out for my mom financially is totally different than going around there and checking on. You know what I mean? It was never. No, you know, like. Like I did when it came to their family.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I mean?

[Angela Yee]

Another thing, too, and maybe this could be part of what you're feeling right now. It seemed like the whole team had a dream. It wasn't. It wasn't you supposed to get on in basketball. You was supposed to get on in basketball, and everybody else was supposed to make it in rap, so everybody was supposed to be doing their own thing.

[Allen Iverson]

I didn't have the. I didn't have the LeBron James, Mav. Randy and Rich blueprint. I didn't have that blueprint, you know what I mean? I'm like, look, we gonna get in where we fit in. You know what I mean? Like, I had one of my homeboys tell me, like, I'm going to work every day, Working every day. Matt's supposed to be a superstar by now. I'm going to work. I'm like. Like, I've had incidents. Like, you know, I'm. I'm getting ready to go on the road, and it was a casino, you know what I mean? And I go to the bank, I get 50,000. They got 30,000 in large and 20,000 and, you know, 20s. And I'm getting on the plane. My man come, I give him the 20,000. He looked at it like it was something wrong with it because it was all twenties, you know what I mean? Like, yo, did this, you know, really just. Did that really just happen? You know what I mean? Like, and it's. It's like, you know, you can. You can. You thinking you doing what's right, but you only. You're not holding people accountable, right? You're being a crutch for them. It's like putting a band aid on something, you know what I mean? You're not stitching it up, you know what I mean? Not stapling it up, you know what I mean? And they always feel like that. You know what I mean? But, like, the hurtful part is the response of actually saying no, probably because they never heard it. Like, when I implemented that in my vocabulary, like, no, what. You know what I mean? And if. And. And, like, for somebody, I'm. I'm built so different. Like, some. Somebody just, like, envy getting me a barber. Like, that's gonna be something that resonate with me forever. I know we already got a relationship, you know what I mean? But still, like, I needed a barber in New York. My man looked out for me. Like, that goes a long way with me. But you can do a million things for somebody, you know what I mean, the first time, you know what I mean? And I was. And I was warned about it, you know, Aaron McKee told me. He said, chuck, just. You know what I mean? When you cutting your grass, you know what I mean? And you getting them snakes out of there, you ask somebody, you know, let them ask you for something and tell them no, you know what I mean? And I think I'm doing a great job of cutting it, but you still got the little small. You know, the snakes might be gone, but some worms in there, some small, you know what I'm saying?

[Angela Yee]

You know, right now, it's Charles Barkley and a whole bunch of people saying, we was trying to tell him this 30 years ago.

[Allen Iverson]

Yeah, but when you, when you like, it's just like the basketball aspect, everything. I ain't never think that I would retire that early, you know what I mean? Man, I ain't never had no backup plan like growing up. Once my mom told me I could be anything I wanted to be. I wanted to be an NBA basketball player. And that was, was no B, C, D. It was just that, that one dream, you know what I mean? I didn't have no, no blueprint. I ain't even had nobody in my family that went to college, you know what I mean? Nobody ever been married, you know what I mean? Everything was, was, was new to me. I was doing everything on the fly, you know what I mean? So, you know, my mistakes was coming at a rapid pace, you know what I mean? And you know, you think, you know, Coach Thompson used to always tell me, you always listening everybody else. You're always listening to somebody that's never been to, you know, from A to Z telling you how to get there, you know what I mean? And that's what I was. I had everybody that wasn't me and never had the experience telling me how to do it.

[DJ Envy]

Now you talk about your BC plan, right? You see what Michael Vick is doing with Norfolk State?

[Allen Iverson]

Absolutely.

[DJ Envy]

Have you ever thought about coaching?

[Allen Iverson]

No. Why not?

[DJ Envy]

Because they would listen to you, right? Especially if you go down to hbcu.

[Allen Iverson]

They would definitely listen to you. I've been one of the players, you know what I mean? Yeah. Coach make millions of dollars, but you got these guys making. That's why I take my hat off to anybody that coaches NBA, you know what I mean? Like, you have a unique talent, you know what I mean? To have a bunch of guys with a bunch of egos. Everybody come from being a man. And then you put them on a team and everybody got the same goal. And I just don't feel like, you know, I could coach a guy, a bunch of guys to make more money than me. Listen to me for what? That's why it's a God given talent. Any NBA coach that make it that far blessed.

[Angela Yee]

Not even NBA coaches. You talk about it in the book, how you fouled out and you had to be on the sideline and you just was watching it from your coach's perspective. I think that was in high school maybe. And you was like, damn, this what he see.

[Allen Iverson]

Yeah, yeah.

[Angela Yee]

I wanna ask you about the title of the book, man. Do you think you were misunderstood. Cause that's the title of the book. Or did people outside of your circle just not take the time to understand you?

[Allen Iverson]

You're a smart dude.

[DJ Envy]

Sometimes.

[Allen Iverson]

A lot. This is one of my favorite shows. So I, you know, I see the good days and the bad days. You been ducking.

[Angela Yee]

You've been ducking this for a long time.

[DJ Envy]

I'mma come.

[Allen Iverson]

I'mma come up. I watch Dame come up here. It's for real. It get real. I think this. I think they can answer it better. My perspective is, you know, they were learning on the fly, too. It's like, you know, with my documentary that's coming out, it was like a three hours long. I think I cried, like two and a half hours of it. I had to keep walking out of the theater because you think, you know, when it comes to people that love you, you think you know how they feel about, you know, turbulent times. Yeah. You know what I mean? And you think you know how they feel. You. You think your girl know. You think. You think you know how your girl feel. You think you know how your mom feel, your uncles, your aunts, your homeboys, your homegirls. But then when they actually tell you from their point of view how they felt, you know, and how they looked at things and how I didn't see how I was fucking up, you know what I mean? How they had to try to address me with certain things, like, you know, you driving the car, we. We riding shotgun. You know what I mean? Like, and it's hard to tell somebody, you know, that's trying to live their life, you know what they should do and what they shouldn't do, you know what I mean? Like, I'm 21 years old, you know what I mean? When I got into the league and at that age, like, you know what I mean? You couldn't. You couldn't. You couldn't tell me nothing.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I'm saying? Like, I'm here. You know what I mean? Like, the dress code. I'm like, I dress like the dudes, the. The drug dealers from my neighborhood. Like, you know, I'm dressing like this because, you know, this is what I. The old heads from. From my neighborhood, this how they dress, you know what I mean? I just couldn't afford it, you know what I mean? My cornrows. I got cornrows because I was tired of barbers messing my hair up. I'm like, damn, if I just grow my hair, you know, I ain't got to deal with that, you know, tattoos just Got addictive. I got one. I couldn't afford them. I would have been. Got a lot of them. And, you know, I was playing everything by ear. Like I said, I didn't have. My daddy was a hustler, you know what I mean? He was in the streets. My mom in the streets. Like, I didn't have no. You know, I didn't sit you down and give you structure. Yo, this is how you wasn't no Coach Thompson then. Yeah. You know what I mean? Wasn't. Those people. They weren't in my life yet. So all of that was what he. He was. He. He was. But it was, it was. He was there, you know, when I got to the NBA, me and his phone calls was, you know, you all right? We never talked about basketball. You all right?

[Angela Yee]

Peace to the planet. Charlamagne Tha God here now. You know, the end of the year is when, like a lot of business owners, I really lock in. All right? This is the time to set the foundation for next year. You got new ideas, new product drops, new goals. And when I'm building anything meaningful, I need the right tools. That's why I always tell folks, especially black entrepreneurs and small black owned businesses, Shopify is the move, okay? We use it at the Black Effect podcast network, and I've seen firsthand how it helps creators and business owners grow with confidence. Entrepreneurship is very important to me, okay? There's nothing wrong with working for people. There's nothing wrong with partnering people. But you should strive to own your own as well. And Shopify can help others grow into entrepreneurs. It's like having a whole team behind you. Your chief of staff, your personal assistant, your co founder, all in one platform. Whether you're running a side hustle or a full storefront selling locally or worldwide, Shopify takes all the guesswork out. Shopify brings everything into one place. You can sell on your website, on social media, and even in the real world. Like some of our partners at our Black Effect Festival coming up in April. Wherever your people are, Shopify makes sure your business can meet them where they're at. Plus, you got Shopify, Sidekick and their AI tools. Total game changers. I love how it's like having an assistant giving you insights, content, ideas, edits. Shopify's got your next move covered. So let me ask you this. If you're ready to take the next step in your life, whether it's merch, products or anything in between, get on shopify.com be that's shopify.com ben and make it happen. It is time to stop putting off your future and start your new role as your own boss today.

[DJ Envy]

Hey, what up, y'?

[Angela Yee]

All?

[DJ Envy]

It's DJ Envy. And the holidays are here. The time of year that's all about connecting with loved ones in person or over the phone. In fact, hearing someone's voice can emote a similar emotional response as a hug. And while most of us can hop on a video chat to really bring that connection to life, using tech isn't easy for everyone, especially some of the older folk in our lives. AT&T has been doing something special here to help. They offer digital literacy workshops that help older adults learn how to use technology to do things most of us take for granted, like video conferencing and sharing photos. Take Nancy Shand. She joined one of AT&T's workshops to learn how to video chat. For the first time this holiday season, Nancy won't just be hearing about family gatherings, she'll be a part of them. Sharing stories, opening presents, and making memories all through a screen. Nobody should have to go through the holiday season alone. So be sure to connect and stay connected to your loved ones this holiday season.

[Sophie Cunningham]

Connecting changes everything. AT&T. You ever notice how wild life gets when you don't slow down? From meetings to errands, to your phone buzzing nonstop, it can feel like the day never ends. Sometimes you gotta stop and reset. But that's when it's time to grab a Diet Coke. That crisp, refreshing taste, crispy as some would call it, allows you to make time for you time. Maybe you're wrapping up a workout, finishing that last email, or sitting on the couch scrolling. Or maybe you're catching up with friends, cruising through your neighborhood, or enjoying a quiet moment nobody else can touch. Whatever your break looks like, Diet Coke can make it so much better. It's not only a drink, it's a signal to take a breather, reset and remind yourself the moment belongs to you. Because when you choose to pause, you're choosing you. So next time, life feels non stop, hit pause, crack open the Diet Coke, take a sip, let the bold taste cut through the noise. And remember, your break is yours. Make time for a Diet Coke break. Diet Coke. This is my taste.

[Allen Iverson]

You've been working in the garage with your dad every week, Monday to Sunday, trying to get the old school up and running. Today, after all the hard work, y' all finally finished it.

[State Farm Narrator]

So you have that feeling of accomplishment.

[Allen Iverson]

You did it.

[State Farm Narrator]

Then your dad throws you the keys. He says those three magic words, all yours, son.

[Allen Iverson]

Yep. Same car that belonged to your grandpa and that your dad helped him fix.

[State Farm Narrator]

It's yours.

[Allen Iverson]

Three generations right there keeping the tradition alive. But if you ask dad to really keep the tradition going, you need to get insurance. And you already know you need to get State Farm. Because your agent, well, he gets tradition, too. His dad was an agent, his grandpa too. So he gets you generation to generation. Remember to choose the agents that your family counted on. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

[DJ Envy]

The holidays are heating up on pick six DraftKings newest fantasy pick em game. Make your NBA picks for a shot to win big cash prizes this holiday season. Here's how it works. Just choose more or less on two or more player stats. The more accurate your picks, the bigger your payout. It's the kind of upside you'll only find on pick six, not those other pick' em sites. And it's available in most states, including Texas, California, Georgia and more. Download the DraftKings Pick Six app now and use code BREAKFAST. New DraftKings customers can play just $5. Get $50 in Pick Six credits with cold breakfast. Ride the upside in partnership with DraftKings Pick Six, the crown is yours. Gambling problem. Call 1-800- gambler, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org in Connecticut. Must be 18 plus. Age and eligibility restrictions vary by jurisdiction. Pick Six not available everywhere, including New York and Ontario. Voidware prohibited. One per new customer bonus awarded as non withdrawable. Pick Six credits that expire in 14 days [e-mail] promos Limited time offer yeah, I'm all right.

[Allen Iverson]

All right. I'm just checking on y'. All. Swanna, she good. How the kids? You know what I mean? That was it. He was allowing me and thinking. He was preparing me at Georgetown for what was the inevitable me going to the league. But you can't prepare for that, bro.

[DJ Envy]

How was that pressure, though? Because the nicest player, right? But you change culture. But when you change the culture, the NBA pushed back against it, but you never broke. You never folded. Even though you. They could have said. They could have banned AI and said, nah, we don't want you in our league. But you never folded. You never backed down, and you kept it that way, which hurt you at times.

[Allen Iverson]

Why was that? They profited off it, too. You know what I mean? Like, I would be on. One of the things that hurt me is I was on a magazine. They wanted me on a magazine because of my talent and who I was. But they airbrushed My tattoos off. So you want me, but you, you know, you want some of me. I. I took the ass whooping for it. But the dress code thing, like, I actually was just, you know what I mean? I was 21. Where am I going after the game? I'm going to the club, you know what I mean? Like, before that, they were used to dudes wearing suits, and you know what I mean? I was like, man, like, I've never worn a suit. Growing up, going to church or to a funeral. The only time I put on a.

[Angela Yee]

Suit in the courtroom.

[Allen Iverson]

In the courtroom, Definitely in the courtroom. So I never wore a suit to the, to the gym, to play, to the. To the park sweatsuit, you know what I mean? Or whatever, you know what I'm saying? So I ain't think, I ain't think nothing of it, you know what I mean? And then, you know, I got some money. So the jewelry and I always had a fetish, me and my mom, since I was a little kid, you know what I mean? It's always been like that. So, you know, I remember being in college and my teammates like, yo, when you get to the league, man, you gonna get the jewelry like Pac, you know what I mean? You gonna have the jewelry like Puff, you know what I mean? Yeah. You know, and the first thing, like when the first thing I did was come up here and went to Tito, you know what I'm saying? Like, I didn't think I was living, you know what I mean? And David Stern and rest of the NBA was like, nah, because it was all right when I was doing it. But then everybody else said, okay, like, he can do that, we can do this. So then everybody, you know, you see Kobe coming in with the diamond chains on and the baggy clothes and, you know, everybody started doing it. Then the league was like, hold on, we gotta do something about that. So it wasn't, it wasn't anything malicious like in that, in that, that whole situation showed me a lot. It proved a lot to me as at a young age about stereotyping people. Because, you know, when you seen John Gotti, John Gotti kept on a two thousand dollar suit. But what was he.

[Angela Yee]

That's right.

[Allen Iverson]

He get busy. Yeah. You know what I mean? So it ain't about what you got on. You watch Reservoir Dogs.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

What they have on when they. When they rob that suit.

[Angela Yee]

Absolutely.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I'm saying? So it ain't about, you know, what you got on. On the outside is who you are.

[DJ Envy]

And they said, that bother you The Most when they labeled you a thug.

[Allen Iverson]

Yeah, you know what I mean? I'm, I, I, I be cool with, I'll be cool with, you know, a street dude cool with that. Because that's what I am. I mean, that's where I come from. That's all I've ever been around in my life. That's what I grew up around, you know what I mean? But a thug, like, nah, that's a, that's a stretch.

[Angela Yee]

I was wondering, would you change things? And the reason I asked that because even in the book you understood you had to wear a suit to court, but you didn't want to do it for press conferences in the NBA.

[Allen Iverson]

I was bad advice. Like, I was, I was, you know, I was told to take a, go to trial and go off whatever the judge say, opposed to having a jury. That was bad advice. Yeah, you know what I mean? Some of it. But I was getting advice from people that never had been through it, you know what I mean? I was told that if I wore a suit then they'd be lenient. I was, yeah, I was extremely wrong.

[Angela Yee]

Oh, so you wish you'd have just wore clothes.

[Allen Iverson]

I remember, I remember. Remember that same suit? I was in a, in a sale. It was 100 degrees with no, no fans in there. In a holding sale, I was in a four man cell with 15 people, you know what I mean? And that suit, when they came got me, I was in the corner with my boxes on, you know what I mean, Soaking wet and the suit was balled up in the corner. When they came and got me out of there, I had on my boxes, you know what I mean? So, I don't know, I. Do you regret anything? Nah. Because I wouldn't be who I am now. You know what I mean? Anybody. If I died and came back, I would. Man, I'd rather be me all over again. But if I change everything, if I knew it was coming, anybody going, if you're going down a one way street, you're gonna get on the right side of the road. You see the track trailer coming, you know it's coming, you know what I mean? That prepared me to be the man that I am today. I had to take this ass whooping with the dress code. So now look at everybody. Everybody give me my flowers for that, you know what I mean? For. You got them all these personalities. Why would everybody dress the same? You got different basketball games. Why everybody look the same. You got different games and people feel good about this. So when you. I love it. I'm Thinking about, you know, when I, when, when it's time to go somewhere. I'm trying to go to a club or whatever. I ain't battling with the dudes at the club, you know what I mean? I'm, I can't wait to meet everybody downstairs, see what everybody got on, you know what I mean? Like, I want to be, you know, I want to be smoother than my man, you know what I mean? Like, that, that make you feel good? You look good, you play good. Even on the court, I wanted to look like a superhero, like, like Michael Jordan used to look, you know what I mean? Like, I wouldn't, I wouldn't, I wouldn't, I wouldn't change. I wouldn't change anything, man. In my life. All of these experience, even with the book, man, it's like, I love, like, I, I, my, my girl always talked to me about, why do you let, like what I started talking about in the beginning? Why do you let that type of bother you?

[Angela Yee]

And I'm like, the practice press conference.

[Allen Iverson]

No, just, just with my friends. How people, you know what I mean? It's like, why? I don't know, you know what I mean? Like, I love the people that I love. And it hurt when they show you who they really are, of course, because I'm thinking you somebody else, you know what I mean? And she, like, you know, why do you stress out over stuff like that? And what you different. You have a talent and you, you're blessed to be able to brush that stuff off. It's hard for me now. My talent obviously is, you know, legendary. With who. But I think another bless blessing that I have is to be an open book, to be someone I'm embarrassed about. Practice rent. I'm embarrassed about, not really embarrassed, but it wasn't smart for me to, you know, because I, I, I remember, you know, people telling me, AI, you cannot take care of everybody. And I used to let it go on one ear and right out the other, like, yo, you know what I mean? I'm gonna be the exception to the rule. I'm gonna take care of the people that I love. Like, that's just me, you know what I mean? And.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I think that's why I hurt.

[Allen Iverson]

You so bad, because your heart is in it. You love these people, you know? Yeah, yeah, yeah, you're Superman. But you still have a heart, you know what I mean? And you, like, but this is, but this is my, this is my gift. Like, this is my gift to this book, this, this documentary, my experiences, the turbulent, the ups and downs. Like, if one kid or one adult, whatever, read this book and they can take something from it. I have people come to me all the time, be like, yo, man, you inspired my life, man. I would have died if it wasn't for you. I would have went to jail for the rest of my life. You know what I mean? Like, you changed my life, you know, you inspired me. You know, your story and this, that, and the third, like, and that. That motivate me, you know what I mean? Like, to give more, like, to. Even when you embarrassed, you uncomfortable, you know, talk about it. Somebody might not have to go through it. Somebody might. You might save somebody's life.

[State Farm Narrator]

I agree.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I mean? Like, talk about it. You know what I mean?

[DJ Envy]

You.

[Allen Iverson]

You might not be. You know, man, you was on top of the world. You had all the money. You know what I mean? All you had to do. It's easy for a motherfucker to tell Chuck what to do with his. Easy for somebody to say, what I would have did, man, if I was him, I would have did. You ain't me. You know what I mean? You don't know how. I'm sorry.

[Angela Yee]

Do you think you.

[Allen Iverson]

You not me, you know what I mean? I make mistakes. I'm human, just like you.

[Angela Yee]

That's why we love you. And I love how. I love how the whole book Misunderstood is literally an explanation as to why the whole infamous practice press conference even happened. Yeah, because you was dealing with so much at the time. So it wasn't even about, you know, those people in the room. It's everything else that was going on outside, man.

[Allen Iverson]

Best friend just. Just got killed. You know what I mean? I'm like, I'm coming in there. But Charlemagne, I'm coming in there like. Like, I'm. I'm on cloud nine. I'm like, yo, I get, you know, my kids dealing with this. Like, they going to school every day, and their classmates, tell your daddy, don't leave. Tell your dad, don't leave. You know, my wife going. You know, she. Out in the city. People tell your husband, please don't leave. We love him. So they going through it, you know what I mean? My kids don't really understand. Daddy don't get traded. Don't leave. Like, I don't have no control over it. So when they called me in there, it was like, yo, you ain't going nowhere. So I'm like, shit, can we call a press conference? You know what I mean? Yeah. Got all everybody in there. I get to tell the World, I ain't going nowhere. This dude just keep on asking me about practice, practice, practice. You know what I mean? I'm like, practice, yeah. You know what I'm saying? I'm like, this is not what we here for. This is we. I mean, let's rejoice. Let's be happy. You know what I mean? But it's you, you. If you know what I know, you got beat writers that write every day. And then, you know, I was telling Stephen A. On this show yesterday, like, they want exclusives. You turn them down for exclusive. The first chance they get, kicking you back in, they're gonna kick you back off. You know what I mean? And it was him. I'm sitting there looking at him, you know what I mean? And if I was prepared, which I wasn't, if I was playing, I'm like, yo, man, I was the MVP last season. The best player in the whole world. You know what I mean? Coming from where I come from. And if I didn't practice, how would I be able to accomplish something like that? I must be really good, you know what I mean? But I wasn't prepared for it like that. Cause I was so emotional and angry that. This is about being happy, man.

[DJ Envy]

That's what the misunderstood is about. Right? One thing I would say about AI is if you ever see him out, he's gonna talk to you. He's gonna hug you.

[Allen Iverson]

Like he's.

[DJ Envy]

And it's funny when people say you from the street or when they labeled.

[Allen Iverson]

You a thug, I'm like, when you.

[DJ Envy]

See him out, he's the total opposite. He gonna hug you, he gonna ask you how your family is.

[Sophie Cunningham]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

Right when he used to have a look at it, he gonna kiss you.

[Allen Iverson]

On your forehead and be like, brother, I love you.

[DJ Envy]

Like, no, for real.

[Allen Iverson]

I love you.

[DJ Envy]

And he gonna. And he means it, and he means well for all his people. And that's the side I don't think people see. I was saying something the other day.

[Allen Iverson]

I was like. I was walking down the street in.

[DJ Envy]

Virginia, and Charlamagne was like, if you was walking. I was like. I was walking down the street and, hey, I pulled up. Envy. What's up? How about the car? How's your family? Gave me a hug.

[Allen Iverson]

No, for.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, yeah. What you doing tonight? You got something to see? All right, I'm gonna come, then. Text me later on. Yo, I'm sleeping.

[Allen Iverson]

I ain't gonna bring it.

[DJ Envy]

I'm like, yeah, but that's him with everybody. And I'm like, that's the Side that people.

[Allen Iverson]

The people's. I look at it like. I look at it like. I watch. I watch people and how they get down. And I'm like, damn. I would never, you know what I mean? But teach his own, you know, me being me is, you know, the best thing in the world to me. Yes, I wanted to be like Mike growing up. I wanted to be like Mike, yes. But I didn't want to be him, you know what I mean? Like, I love being me. Everybody else is taking up anyway, you know what I mean? Like, I love. I love who I am. I never disrespect my God by wanting to be something else. I never disrespect him, you know what I mean, by wanting to be somebody else. I love. I didn't win a championship, but I'm the people's champ. I love facts, you know, People coming to me, AI, what you doing here? I'm in Walmart or I'm in Target or in the grocery store, you know what I mean? What you doing in here, man?

[DJ Envy]

I'm shopping.

[Allen Iverson]

I'm happy like you. Where's your entourage? Where's your security match? That part of my life is. I just. Man, I'm not. I'm not a thug. I'm not a gangster, you know? Hurt me for what? You know what I mean? What am I scared to just. You know what I mean? Like, what am I. I always say.

[Angela Yee]

You the only player who didn't win a ring, who feel like a champion, because to us, like, I got 10 rings.

[Allen Iverson]

It's crazy that you say that. Because I'm blessed. Look at all of the. Look at all of the other things that he's done for me. When I wake up every morning when I say my prayer, because I don't do it at night. I do it in the morning. I fall asleep and forget watching Savage Son, you know what I mean? All night and I'm gone. But when I pray, I pray for my family, I pray for my friends, you know what I mean? Keep us healthy, keep us safe. If, you know, we sick, cure us, you know, man, never asking for no money. I never asked him for no opportunity. I never just. I'll handle the rest. Just keep us safe, keep us healthy. And I'll go out. I come out, I'll go out there and open the door and say, what's up, world? What you got to. Got to offer what's going on today? And navigate through it and tackle it, you know what I mean? Like, I'm blessed, you know what I mean? So a championship, you know what I mean? I'm top 75 all time. You know how many players played this game, man?

[State Farm Narrator]

That's right.

[Allen Iverson]

Millions and millions and millions. I was said that. I was told that I wasn't even. I was too small. I couldn't make it. You can't make it in this type of game. And, you know. And I'm a Hall of Famer, you know what I mean? All star scoring champion, you know what I mean? Like, I'm just not a champion. You know what I mean? I'm not. We came up short to a juggernaut. Kobe Bryant and Shaquille o' Neal in their prime, you understand? Like, I'm cool with that. You know what I mean? Now I get an opportunity. I'm still here, I get to root for. That's why I want certain people that haven't won a championship to win one. I want them to feel how I never got the opportunity to feel. So when people talk about who you want to win this year, I want to see the guys win that haven't done it before. Gotcha. You know what I mean? You would do things that nobody ever did if. If you did, you would go so viral these days. You had your mother braiding your hair at the game. That was at my mom. What was it?

[DJ Envy]

Who was it?

[Allen Iverson]

It was her sister. Okay, Everybody think it was Mommy. Okay.

[Sophie Cunningham]

All right.

[Allen Iverson]

So that was your aunt. Why wasn't no time before y' all was rushing? No, listen. Okay, first of all, you already know Jess and I. And I know you might have. You might not have joked about it, but you. You probably joked about it to your home girls or your homeboys or whatever, because I ain't never had my hair always been long up here. I ain't never had no hang time. I ain't never, never. I mean, it's the truth. Never. You know what I mean? And, you know, if you don't put rubber bands in my joint, then it would come out.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

So we were actually rushing. I used to. I used to get to the game so late, you know? Cause I used to leave so late with the traffic going to the game. I used to always get caught into. And then I used to. Always had to ride on the medial strip, the side. Yeah. So playing, it was like first quarter, and I felt, you know, it was coming out and my aunt was in the stands. I was like, yo, she came and just. Oh, just fix it up. I mean, it was simple as that.

[DJ Envy]

Back in the game.

[State Farm Narrator]

Okay.

[Allen Iverson]

It was simple as that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That photo is like so loved and cherished now, but when it happened at time, did you feel like people like, loved and cherished the moment and how did you handle how people would come for your family because you are such a family person?

[DJ Envy]

Damn.

[Allen Iverson]

That's a good question. I don't want to say I didn't, I didn't care, but it was like, what you gonna do? Like, there's nothing you can, you can't. I'm not going to change. I couldn't change what people think about me. This book not going to change what people think. This documentary don't like you. They don't like you. They hate you. They hate you. They're going to find some reason, you know, they're going to find some reason to, to not like you. And that's what you deal with. And it's like I had to learn that early. Like, you know what I mean? Like, like for real, like everybody not gonna love you, you know what I mean? You just concentrate on the ones that do. You just appreciate the ones that, that, that love you, you know what I mean? I mean, they gonna say crazy shit, you know what I mean? I heard somebody say Michael Jackson can't sing, you know, Like, I mean, I've heard it when you ranking people and you know what I mean? Ranking where AI stand in this? And, and, and you know what I mean? Like, you paying attention with the comments and what people say and man, listen, you're gonna be hurt for a while. Like the comments even on Instagram, like, I posted a picture of my daughter up there and dude, I looking at the comments for whatever reason, you know what I mean? Like, I need my ego stroked anymore, you know what I mean? Look at, man, that little ugly lord.

[Angela Yee]

You know what I mean?

[Allen Iverson]

I'm like, damn, like, I'm like, okay, I don't do the comments no more, you know what I mean? Like, get off of there. Turn back on San Francisco.

[State Farm Narrator]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I'm saying? It's like, it's like people going, you know, that's what they do. Because a lot of, a lot of times people, and we talked about that earlier, they wake up and they mad at their own life and you know, that's just, that's the world we, the world we, we live in. That's the reason I can't be a, a commentator.

[Angela Yee]

Commentator.

[Allen Iverson]

Yeah, yeah. Like, I'm not getting up there talking bad about nobody, man.

[Angela Yee]

You talk about that in the book.

[Allen Iverson]

I, I just, I just, that's not something that. Cause if, just think about it. If you're an NBA basketball player and you never get in the game and everybody think you a bum, put them in the game. How you get there, first of all, right, and then put them on the court, you know what I mean, with anybody else. Put them in the ymca, put them on the court, on the college court, you know, I mean, high school, whatever. It looked like Michael Jordan out there, you know what I mean? And I just respect everybody that made it, because I know what I actually went through. You know what I mean? I went through a lot to get there. Like, I ended up being the first pick in the draft. And a couple years ago, I was getting released from. From jail, you know what I'm saying? So I don't know. I just. I just. I just respect people that. That. That want to do something and don't let nobody stop them. Yeah. Trying to do it. I've seen also that you.

[DJ Envy]

I seen an interview. You gave up drinking six months ago.

[State Farm Narrator]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

What got you to that point where you said, this is enough?

[Allen Iverson]

It was. It was. I. I'll be lying if I would say it just. Just stopped the brother. You know what I mean? It was. It was situations, you know what I mean? I. You know, where's my at? You know what I mean? Like, I know I put it here. You know what I mean? It's the same thing with having certain guys around you, everybody, when they. Your people. Your people know when you're drunk. Yo, just chill, man. Just give him two more glasses of dawn, man. Hey, yo, man, I'm up right now, man. God damn it. I need you. You know what I'm saying, man? My dis going on. That going on, man. I need you.

[Angela Yee]

Waited till I get this in, because.

[Allen Iverson]

When I and Emmy just talked about it, when I get nice, the man will give you the shirt on. Yo, I went to sleep last night. I had 25,000 on me, you know what I mean, man, I got 1200.

[Angela Yee]

Couldn't wait to run through the liquor.

[Allen Iverson]

Store for you, Man. You gave such and such your.

[DJ Envy]

Your.

[Allen Iverson]

Your. Your Louis sneakers. You gave your sister your. Your.

[Angela Yee]

Your.

[Allen Iverson]

Your. Your fur coat. You know what I mean? Like, yeah, and that's just. That's just small compared to the. The real, you know what I mean? Not feeling well, you know what I mean? I mean, I did all this, and I was to wake up feeling like this, you know what I mean? Then my responsibilities, you. You. You know what I mean? You missing flights and. You know what I mean? I mean, just a. It's a Plethora of things, man. You just drinking, you know what I'm saying? Like, I started evaluating, like, what good does it do for me?

[Angela Yee]

Yeah, yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

You understand? Like, you, You. I mean, you can. You can have fun with your own boys, your homegirls, you know what I mean, without that. And I found out that that's something I, you know, gotta get used to as well, you know what I mean? Because I don't like being around a bunch of drunk people, and I ain't. Like, we can't have a conversation. Like, I'm talking. I'm trying to get you to understand something, but I'm talking to somebody drunk, you know what I mean? You ain't trying to hear nothing I'm talking about. We ain't. Our conversation is not gonna matter until some other time, you know what I mean?

[Angela Yee]

And so if Braun call you right now and he said, hey, man, Hennessy.

[Allen Iverson]

Got this bag for you. Goddamn about no bag. I don't. I've been there and I done had it and long. I don't experience having millions and. And losing. Like. And I'm not talking about. I've always been a millionaire. You know what I mean? I'm make millions regardless. But for me, once island hit the pinnacle, you know, 10 million a year is not enough for me.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I mean? Like, it's not enough. Like. But at the same time, if I won the lottery, if I hit one of them joints that went up to a billion or something like that, the last thing I would want is for anybody to know, you know what I'm saying? Like, man, that's the last thing. Like, man, you know what I mean? But I wouldn't say. And I talk to God about it. I. I asked them to. To help me be strong. I ain't go to no AA or nothing like that. Like, I. I was like, okay, I'm not. I'm not doing it. And that's what it was. And the crazy thing about it is I've been with her for 15. I'm. For 35 years, and since I was 15. And this crazy part about it is she said when I told her I was stopping that after that, she prayed on it. And she said that was the only time that she ever prayed on it. Like, I said it plenty of times in the past, and she said that was the only time that she prayed on it, and I was authentic with it.

[Angela Yee]

Was there ever a time in your life where you truly felt like a kid? Because when I read your book, it feels like you never got the opportunity.

[Allen Iverson]

To be a child. Yeah. Hell, yeah. I remember, like, people talk all the time about. I mean, I was. How tough was it, you know, growing up poor, you know what I mean? Like, it was the best, right? You know what I mean? Like, you know what I mean? Because everybody around me was. It won't. Like, everybody, you know, it was only until I got to high school and I'm wearing, like, I had two, what, three pair of pants and my. And one of them was my sister's, you know what I mean?

[Sophie Cunningham]

I.

[Allen Iverson]

You know, it was. It was bad. And I'm looking at it. It's called Farmington, you know, where I'm from, you know what I mean? You see the kids in Farmington, they come in there dressed like they got the polo and the guests on, and you know what I mean? I'm like, damn, Jabot. Them dudes, it was. That was competition for real, you know what I mean? They come up with their act, legends and. You know what I mean? Like, it was tough, but, you know, before then it was like, man, you know what I'm saying? Like, all I wanted. All I wanted growing up was a pair of Jordans. Yeah, that's it. I ain't give a damn. I go to school, I have a goddamn pamp on, as long as I got Jordans, you know what I'm saying? Like, yeah, it was. It was. It was. It was nothing to me. I was a kid, man. I mean, I was a kid. I didn't. I had a childhood, man. I don't have no excuses on anything that's happened in my life. I don't have no one to blame. I don't have. I don't. Man, I don't.

[Angela Yee]

When.

[Allen Iverson]

When things don't go right, you know what I mean? When. When you ask somebody to do something for you, you know what I mean? They don't do it. How mad can you get with them? But I'm not doing it. Do it yourself, you know what I mean? Or, don't, don't. Don't put that on them, you know what I'm saying? Like, I just. I just. I. I concentrate so much. I. Like, we just. You just heard me go on about the Seven and Son.

[Angela Yee]

Like.

[Allen Iverson]

And my. My girl said, like, how do you watch this every day?

[DJ Envy]

Love it.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I'm saying? How do you watch Good Times every day? Like, I love. Now, I love my gangster. Like, I love, you know, all of that. You know what I mean? But I just, like the back in the day Shows. Yeah, I like the last. And then. And I, and I. Oh, it ain't that bad. You ain't, you know, obviously dead, that's one thing. But you ain't in jail, man. Yeah, you ain't blind, you ain't deaf. Yeah, you know what I mean? You got all your limbs. Like what you complaining about, you know, that's the one thing I try to control in my life. Just complaining about all the time. You know what I mean? Like, I mean, and it don't, it don't do no good. I mean, for you to do it.

[Angela Yee]

There's not one excuse in that book making. All it is is accountability throughout the whole.

[Allen Iverson]

That's right. I ain't making none, man. And then. Because that's easy way for somebody to look up to Allen Iverson, have a, to have a cop out, you know what I mean? Easy way. You know what I mean? Complaining about something, man, do it. And, and I hate when people think that like that it's arrogant and that's kind. I've always been confident. I ain't. I mean I've never been arrogant. I've never been cocky, just confident, you know what I mean? And the one thing about like just, just people just. It bothered me that you don't think that this is your world. This is your world. It don't mean you're not being arrogant, you're not being selfish, thinking, you know what I mean? Like you the only one that matter in the world. You know what I mean? But it's yours. This is your life. Everything happens. You know, you the one. You ain't going nowhere. You might see everybody go before you, you know what I mean? It's going to hurt when people go or whatever, but this is, this is the one shot that you got, you know what I mean? To be happy.

[Sophie Cunningham]

You ever notice how wild life gets when you don't slow down? From meetings to errands to your phone buzzing nonstop, it can feel like the day never ends. Sometimes you gotta stop and reset. That's when it's time to grab a Diet Coke. That crispy freshen taste, crispy as some would call it, allows you to make time for you time. Maybe you're wrapping up a workout, finishing that last email or sitting on the couch scrolling. Or maybe you're catching up with friends, cruising through your neighborhood or enjoying a quiet moment nobody else can touch. Whatever your break looks like, Diet Coke can make it so much better. It's not only a drink, it's a signal to take a breather, reset and remind yourself the moment belongs to you. Because when you choose to pause, you're choosing you. So next time life feels non, stop, hit pause, crack open the Diet Coke, take a sip, let the bold taste cut through the noise and remember your break is yours. Make time for a Diet Coke break. Diet Coke. This is my taste.

[State Farm Narrator]

The wait was worth it. Positive affirmations and all the hard work, the keys to your dream home from the vision board have been secured. I see you. A whole new future awaits your planning. From top notch decor, but on a budget to late night backyard summer cookouts, life feels good. Now comes the time to fill it with memories. What will you host first? Maybe movie night, Game night. Stories that make us laugh in spades. Tournaments that make us cry. First you need to get movers and new furniture. And what about party favors? Will there be a theme? Of course it's theme. Because you're always doing the most. Oh yeah, the food to cook or order out. Don't forget to put it in the group chat so everybody can already see who gonna be there. All that planning can be stressful, but insuring your home shouldn't be. And that's where State Farm comes in. Because State Farm agents can help you choose the coverage you need. Just call, go online or check out the app. An agent is ready to help so you can focus on showing off your new home. If you know, you know like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You all know this time of year is my recess season. New energy, new plans, new ways to grow my brand. And if you're trying to start 2026 ahead of the game, like really ahead, now is the time to get moving. For me, Shopify has been the platform that keeps my whole merch business tight. As a creator, as a businesswoman, I need my tools to work hard and. And Shopify is like having a chief of staff, a personal assistant and a co founder all in one. And look, I always tell other women building their own brands, especially small independent black creators, don't overcomplicate it. Whether you're running a side hustle or you're trying to run a full storefront, selling to your community or around the world, Shopify takes the guesswork out of everything. Shopify also like. My favorite thing about it is they teach you as you grow, you can look up anything, get information on anything, and it's simple. They give you like easy 1, 2, 3 steps. I used to juggle 10 different logins and apps. Now one platform I manage my store, sell online, sell on social, even tag products right from my phone, wherever I am and Shopify Sidekick. Listen, you keep hearing all about AI. Let me tell y', all, this AI is a lifesaver. It gives me reports, content, ideas, helps me edit images. It's literally like having a smart assistant in my back pocket guiding me to my next move. So let's be real. It's time to stop thinking and start doing. And there is no better way to do that than Shopify. Use our link shopify.comb now to start getting serious about building your future.

[Sophie Cunningham]

Season two of Unrivaled Basketball is here and the talent is unreal. Paige Beckers, Nafiza Collier, Kelsey Plumb, Brianna Stewart and more are back to redefine the game. Unrivaled basketball Season 2, sponsored by Samsung Galaxy, tips off January 5 on TNT, TruTV and HBO.

[Public Investing Sponsor]

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[Allen Iverson]

These decisions and live with them, you know what I mean? You concentrate on making mistakes and hopefully you don't make the same mistake twice. And. And live your Live your life, man. It's. You got one shot at this, man. Ain't nothing wrong with being you, man.

[Angela Yee]

That's right.

[Allen Iverson]

Ain't nothing wrong with it, man. You can't be everybody else. You can't. You know what I mean? You can't worry about worry about what you can control, man. You know what I mean? Like I want some money. I want to Be the richest man in the world. I want all the money. Yeah. You know what I mean? Yes.

[Angela Yee]

You know how you missed out on some money? Not registered, not registering. AI, how much time as a domain.

[Allen Iverson]

I got the real AI. But register the sleeve, you know what I mean? Like. Like, like, damn, if I get that copywritten like the sleeve, man. Everybody with, man, People playing golf wearing the sleeve, man. I seen R. Kelly had a sleeve on.

[DJ Envy]

I said, what?

[Allen Iverson]

R. Kelly fell off the stage, you.

[State Farm Narrator]

Know what I mean?

[Allen Iverson]

The man got a sleeve on in the video, yo. See, yo, man, like, dudes, like, the steam is, man. It's part of people. Like, it's. This is a swag.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

I'm wearing it. Like, the whole reason I'm wearing it. Cause I'm hurt, you know what I mean? Like, it was a lot of opportunities that were there that I passed up on. But, like, I don't look at it like that. I think, now what? Like, now where you going now? Now what you gonna do?

[Angela Yee]

That's right.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I mean? Like, every time God opened my eyes, I'm just, you know, I'm just trying to think positive. But life be life. Like, you know, you get a phone call, you know, hey, man, like. Like, yo, I need you to do this, bro. You asking me for this. You know, I mean, thousands of dollars, Christmas is a couple days away. Like, why you ain't asking me this? You know what I mean, man, I'm asking you. All right. You know, can you do that? All right, I'm gonna do it for you. You know what I mean?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's why they do it.

[Allen Iverson]

I ain't saying, you know who he is. And all the people that I'm talking about, they ain't certain. People are not gonna get upset because they know I'm not talking about that. You know what I mean? But, you know, like. Like, dude, you know, I say, yo, I'm gonna do it. I take care of that. You know what I mean? You my man. I take care of that. You know what I mean? I said, but I'm gonna do it with my card. Put it on my car. So send me the information. Niggas don't like that. I'm gonna do it on my car. Oh, no, no, no. I need cash, man. I need cash. What difference do it make? It's gonna be taken care of. Vegas can't be choosers, you know, get taken care. Difference is, it's a lie. And then I got called a clown. And no. Yeah, crazy. Like, I'm talking About I've been and I've been. This dude was my homeboy since I was like, 30. I mean, like, it's been 30, 38 years. Me and them been homeboys.

[Angela Yee]

You went above and beyond, my brother.

[Allen Iverson]

That's right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Has anybody ever tried to, like, come.

[Allen Iverson]

To you and say, look, Chuck, look, my bad. I was tripping. Like, back then, I kept asking and acting and asking and you would do it. And I just. I took advantage for you. Has anybody ever come to you to take accountability? One person. You are incredible. Because it just happened. It just happened. And my man was telling me that the same thing you just said. He told my man that. My man told me. And it was like. Went on deaf ears. And I was like, man, yes. I've heard him say that before. And he keep doing it. You know what I mean? Like, you keep doing it. You know what I mean? Like, the hardest part. The hardest part is when it's a homeboy or homegirl and you want to cut them off because of how they treat you, not because of how you treat them. You know, they think you treating them bad because you implemented that word no in your vocabulary. But the hardest thing is when it's somebody that you love. The hardest thing is questioning yourself like, damn, am I wrong for this? Yes. Am I going too far? You know what I mean? Like, you always try to look at yourself and feel like, if you could have did something wrong. I mean, if you. I'm sorry. If you could have did something right. You know what I mean?

[Angela Yee]

Nothing wrong. Boundaries, my brother. Nothing wrong. Boundaries.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I got a question for you. You talked about your wife Tawanna praying over you decided not to drink anymore. As a husband, what have you discovered?

[Allen Iverson]

I'm a boyfriend.

[DJ Envy]

Y' all married for life, man.

[Allen Iverson]

Y' all married for life.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's like a boyfriend.

[Angela Yee]

I didn't understand that in the boy.

[Allen Iverson]

Yeah, well, I mean, we got divorced.

[Angela Yee]

So you married, divorced, and y' all got right back together, like six months later or something. You said.

[Allen Iverson]

I mean, I wanna. I want this point to be made because you think I'm who I am. And I was out of control. I was out of control. And this threat was there for years, for years and years and years and years and years. And it's like the boy cried wolf. Like, whatever. I heard that before, you know what I mean? And then it was like, she got to the point where like, yo, I gotta show this motherfucker. I gotta do something to show him I'm serious. And that's what happened. You're in that courtroom, and you looking over there, and you see number one right there. And you looking down at that paver and them tears hitting that. That paper. And they don't say, you know, I've been Georgetown versus Georgetown, and it's been a scrimmage or Sixes versus Sixes, and you looking at the stat sheet, whatever. I'm looking at Iverson vs. Iverson. You know what I mean? And, like, yo, shit is real. You know what I mean? Like. And did you wear a suit? Oh, my God. Oh, my God. And look, I really was defiant then, okay? You know what I mean? Like, you got me in here. You know what I mean? And I had a judge. The judge was vicious. Like, I couldn't do nothing right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Even in that moment, you were defiant.

[Allen Iverson]

Yeah. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No, no, this is your interview. I was just gonna say, even in that moment, you were defiant and I guess upset even though you knew. Cause you said you knew you were out of control. But so, like, in that moment where. Why are you defining upset if she's just doing what she thinks is gonna help, I guess, to get you to a better spot for her.

[Allen Iverson]

I was selfishly thinking about my demise. Because I know in my heart and in my mind that I can't live without her. You know what I'm saying? Like, I know it. Like, I. I know it. I. I took. I. I took her love for me for granted. You know what I mean? Like, as far as she loving me so much that I felt like, you know, that she would never. She would never go. Go nowhere. Like, I've. This. All I've known. This is the only love that I've ever known. As far as. Like, I've never loved someone like this in my life. You know what I mean? Then a lot of times, you know, all women would say. Or even guys, you know, anybody that's, you know, logical about anything. How you love us so much and you do the things.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

And I don't have an answer for it.

[Angela Yee]

We never do, though, as men. We never do. We don't know why we do the dumb shit we do.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So how has not drinking and, you know, it seems like you're, you know, your focus is different in this time of your life. How has that made you guys rediscover each other in a relationship?

[Allen Iverson]

Oh, yeah. I'm Claire Huxtable. I mean, Cliff. She's Claire. I'm Cliff Huxtable now. Like, I kind of get a feeling like I'm the guy Like, I always felt like, you know, I was the guy she always wanted, you know what I mean? Wanted to, you know, wanted me to be. But I really feel like that guy now. Like, I feel like it's not the Hux moves around there, obviously, but like, she love, you know, this me, you know, because you always getting this me. It's hard to take advantage of somebody that can see clear as hell, you know? I mean, opposed to being nonchalant about everything, you know what I mean? Like, it's, you know, my homeboy says a different Chuck now, you know what I mean? I see. I see what's going on, you know what I mean? All the stuff that I used to, you know, not pay attention to, I'm paying attention to it now, you know what I mean? And I just think, you know, by me making this decision, it's so much better for not just myself, everybody around me, right? I can help better. My advice is better, you know what I mean? Like, I'm a better friend now. I'm a better family member. You know, this is clear, you know what I'm saying? Like, I. I promise you, I'm the smartest man in the world, because I know I'm not, you know what I mean? I know I'm not like. But I know how if it's a certain field of, you know, how we need some help. Help. And, you know, I mean, opposed to just. Just doing it all way and thinking, we know. No, man, we gotta go to. We got to go to this person, we gotta go to that person. We got to do it this way, we got to do it that way. You know what I mean? Put your ego aside, man. We trying to get it done. We need to get it done, but we're gonna get it done, right? And it's just a evolution of me. It took long.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I mean? But I just think about it like, yo, you embarrassed? You know, first it was embarrassing that, you know, talking about scene the. Went viral yesterday, and you embarrassed, you know, with the whole thing. But it's like, damn, bro. That's another thing that, you know, by you being you and being comfortable in your own skin, it's gonna help somebody else. Somebody might make that decision.

[DJ Envy]

You're right.

[Angela Yee]

Somebody trying to be sober right now.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I'm saying?

[Angela Yee]

Yeah, was that. Was there ever a time, because I didn't get it from the book where anybody recommended therapy to you because it was clear you was dealing with my girl.

[Allen Iverson]

Okay, okay, like, you need some help, you know what I mean, you don't remember what we was. I come in at 8. Get up. That you said last month. You know what I mean? Just starting. You know what I mean? Like, and then she used to be like, you ran. You running around with all these dudes all day long, and y' all drinking a half a ball. And you come in here with me. I'm talking about where your piece is at, man. You know what I mean? Because you go out, women know. You leave that house, man, we tackling the world. Yeah. Like you. Hey, it's, it's. It's going down. It's hard for me, like I said, to go to the grocery store. Yeah. To go to Target, Walmart. I got to be Alan Iverson. Every day I walk in the house. And one thing about it, everybody, everybody out there, if you think about it, somebody gonna see you and feel like, this is the last opportunity that I'm ever gonna get.

[State Farm Narrator]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

To see him. And this is my moment. That's right. You know what I mean? When they see. Oh, it's like. And then you. You somewhere and you, you paying for something. And then you finish and you turn around and you see so many people. You see cameras, and then you see. And they do the shot of me, like, like they're getting ready to jump rope. You see everybody, like, everybody. It's everybody time. You know what I mean? And it's like, it's like, it's like, bro, you want to be. You want to, like, you wanna. It's so much. You go out, when you come in the crib, man, it's supposed to be peace, you know what I'm saying? Like, fall on, you know, on the couch and, and, and you don't made it through the storm, you know what I mean? Because, like, my fans, like, they, they got real love, man. You know what I mean? But some of them, when, when you can this, you can distinguish a fan, a true fan, and just somebody that, you know, give a damn about how nice you was on the court, because a true fan give a. About you. You know what I mean? Like, you feeding them. Feeding my daughter. You know what I mean? I'm in a restaurant and just stick a piece of paper and a pen and sign this right here. Yeah. You know, hold on, baby, let me. And this. And I, I, you know, I love women, you know, I mean, to death, I love all my fans, but women fans are. They don't like taking no.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I mean, dude? Tell you no all the time, but me, somebody, you don't know tell. You know, you go crazy in a minute. I'm feeding my daughter right now. Well, fuck you then, AI. Kobe Bryant better than you anyway. God damn me. I'mma burn these shoes. I bought your shoes. I bought your jersey. I'm like, I ain't say no. I just said, let me finish feeding my daughter. You know what I mean? Like, it's just. It's crazy. I remember I was at Dave and Buses with the kids. I'm on the phone talking to my mom, and a lady walked up to me and she was like, hey, I. Let me talk to you. I said, hold on, ma'.

[Public Investing Sponsor]

Am.

[Allen Iverson]

I'm talking to my mom on the phone right now. What's your mom more important than your fans? Yeah. I was like, jesus Christ.

[Angela Yee]

What kind of question is that?

[Allen Iverson]

I was like, yo, I said, look, let me just get away from you. You know what I mean? But that's like, you know, all in a nutshell, man, Being a celebrity, man. You say that because people think about the money and the fame and the talent or whatever, man. You say you want this life and whatever, man, you really. Man, A lot of people, if they were me, would have been jumped off a building or put a pistol to their head and blew it off by now.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

That's the crazy thing.

[Allen Iverson]

Lord John said that same thing when we had him. He said, you gotta be built. You gotta have tough skin. This is not an easy industry to be in. But your influence was crazy. Cause I'm telling you, them Ayla Novisons, I was getting them, and I was getting bitches, and I wasn't even gay in middle school. I would come, get my hair braided, and that's good.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You told me you had no hang time. I didn't either, but.

[Allen Iverson]

But the bitches ain't know because I.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Had the opposites, right?

[State Farm Narrator]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

So that's what I tell you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You had time in Philly, right? I mean, influence and impact in everything you did. But Philly embraced you so much, and the person you are meeting you. I get it now, but, you know, Philly don't embrace everybody. What was your time like there? Just in, like, what were you doing, I guess to lean into that or, like. I don't know, like, did you feel the. Okay, they. They love me here. Like, when you walk out onto the.

[Allen Iverson]

Streets and not at first, because people.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, Philly is tough.

[Allen Iverson]

The toughest. And they call it his brotherly love. That's crazy about it. My relationship. Not in the beginning, but I think I have. I would. I Would say Michael Jordan in Chicago, Steph and Bay Area State. Who else? They said the Bay Area. Now probably Shea in Oklahoma City. I think I have the best relationship with a fan base, I think, in sports history, you know what I mean? Like magic to la. That's. That's crazy. And Kobe.

[Public Investing Sponsor]

Yeah.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I mean? They watched me grow up. I was 21 years old when I got there. Like, they watched me, you know, go through my ups and downs. But I played every game like it was my last. And if, you know, Philadelphia, that's all they really want. Like, I could. I was telling Steve yesterday, like, I could be out there. I can go over Winfrey from the field, you know what I mean? But they knew that AI played hard as he could, you know what I mean? I could look in the mirror after the game, every game. I played hurt, sick, whatever, and look in the mirror, and I never felt bad, you know, I felt good. I upset about not playing well, but I knew that I played that game like it was my last. People in Philadelphia love that. And our relationship has been that, you know what I mean, since I've been retired, what, 15 years now. And the relationship is still the same. You walk in the building, it's the same feeling. And then the people in Philadelphia are used to me outside of being in that arena.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I've heard stories about you. Barbershops and everywhere.

[Allen Iverson]

Applebee's.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Well, I was a little younger, so I came a little bit after. You weren't there. You weren't in Fridays when I was there. But, yeah, Club Fridays was a thing.

[Allen Iverson]

It became the third largest Fridays in the country, you know what I mean? Like, it was really a club, you know what I mean? Lines, they start checking IDs you had to get. You had to have reservations. And you know what I mean? Like, it was. It was crazy, you know what I mean? In Philly. I love Philadelphia. I mean, I love it, you know what I mean? But it's just. Just like Virginia. I can't never, like, live there, you know what I mean? Like, when I retired, I went to Florida, like, trying to get away from everything. Then it's just me, her and the kids, and no family, no friends. Like, nah, you know what I mean? So I moved to Charlotte. It's close to Virginia, but, you know, I can never go live there again. But, yeah, people worry me to damn death, you know what I mean? Like, but close. My mom could drive or our flight, right?

[Angela Yee]

They're saying you gotta rap. I do. Got one last question, man. You changed the entire culture of basketball. But to me, you changed black culture. You also changed hip hop culture from your fashion to your attitude to just your authenticity. When you see how the NBA and the world embraces individuality now, do you feel celebrated or do you still feel misunderstood?

[Allen Iverson]

Nah, it's. I get the opportunity. Like, this is opportunity for me, you know what I mean? Like, all of those years you wanted to, you know, you wanted this, man, you got me wrong, you know what I mean? And talk about it to your family and your friends, man, I'm misunderstood, man. They don't. They ain't getting it, you know? I mean, it ain't like that. And then this platform and then all the other big platforms, you know, just you guys giving me an opportunity to come up here and ask me that. I want to answer that. I want the world to know, you know what I mean? I want them to know it. It ain't like that. It's like this, you know what I mean? And then you hearing it from someone else, you know what I mean? Someone else telling who Allen Iverson is, then just to have the opportunity to do it and the excitement about it is the long wait because now I finally get a chance to. Man, you was wrong. You had me fucked up. Like, that ain't what it is, you know what I mean? And going through your career, you can't explain to everybody every situation. It don't, you know what I mean? And this book took years, you know what I mean? The documentary took years to do. And, man, I just. I'm just happy that I get an opportunity to tell my story or write my story and help and help somebody, you know what I mean? Just like Michael Jordan did for me, you know what I mean? If it wasn't for no Michael Jordan, they would not be the Allen Iverson that everybody in the world know. Yeah, like, I. I literally, like, he gave me the vision, man. Like, I'm like, I want to be like him, you know what I mean? That's who I want to be. Him and Michael. Michael Jackson. I want all the dudes to love me, you know what I mean? I want all the girls to love me, you know what I mean? I want to put that in one, you know what I'm saying? And I want to be, you know, not just a basketball player, but just big all over. And I didn't. I didn't get this vision until. Until I started to take care of what I had to do on the basketball court and then becoming a cultural icon, you know what I Mean, okay, all these rappers, all these people in the world that want to just express themselves the way they want to express themselves. Now they get an opportunity, man, he can do it, man. Ain't nothing wrong with what I'm doing, regardless how I look.

[State Farm Narrator]

That's right.

[Allen Iverson]

Regardless how I look. Everybody talk about that Runway walking into the game. I'm watching it, you know what I mean? I don't like everything up there, but I just love their confidence of walking in there, like, yeah, I'm doing it today, you know what I mean? And like, just my story. All I want is for people to get out of it, man. It's all right to be you. It's all right.

[State Farm Narrator]

That's right.

[Allen Iverson]

You know what I mean? And it's. It's things that's gonna happen in your life and it's gonna be tough, you know what I mean? But that's when you gonna lean on number one. You're gonna lean on him. You gonna lean on God. You don't. They don't ask them any. You don't question them at all. You know what I mean? Whatever happened, happened. I ain't never. My grandma told me when I went to jail, that bowling alley thing, I said, nana, why are they doing this to me if they know I didn't do what they said I did? Don't question God. Never question God. And I've never done it since then, you know what I mean? Whatever he do, you know what I mean? I'm cool with it, you know what I mean? He driving his car and I'm just sitting there, ride shotgun. Wherever he take me, that's where I'm going. And I'm going to live with the results. So that's the only thing I want out of this thing, man. Live, man. Laugh. Love, man. And we love you, brother.

[Angela Yee]

We love you too.

[Allen Iverson]

Understood is out.

[Angela Yee]

Right now.

[DJ Envy]

It's the breakfast club.

[Angela Yee]

Good morning.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. A season filled with family dinners, laughter and holiday shopping. But even in the middle of all of that joy, everyone needs a moment to slow down. The little pause between the music, the memories and the madness. And nothing makes that break better than an ice cold Coca Cola. It's that quick refresh that turns the holiday rush into calm, making the moment feel just right. It's the breath between the laughter and the late night rapping sessions. Because the best part of the holidays isn't having it all together. It's enjoying it while it's happening. Enjoy your Coca Cola. Refresh your holidays You've been working in.

[State Farm Narrator]

The garage with your dad every week, Monday to Sunday, trying to get the old school up and running. Today, after all the hard work, y' all finally finished it. Even better, your dad says. All yours, son. Yep. Same car that belongs to your grandpa that your dad helped him fix. It's yours. To really keep the tradition going, you need to get State Farm Insurance just like them, generation to generation. Remember to choose the agents that your family counted on. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is.

[DJ Envy]

There hey, what up y'?

[Allen Iverson]

All?

[DJ Envy]

It's DJ Envy and the holidays are here. The time of year that's all about connecting with loved ones in person or over the phone. In fact, hearing someone's voice can emote a similar emotional response as a hug. And while most of us can hop on a video chat to really bring that connection to life, using tech isn't easy for everyone, especially some of the older folk in our lives. AT&T has been doing something special here to help. They offer digital literacy workshops that help older adults learn how to use technology to do things most of us take for granted, like video conferencing and sharing photos. Take Nancy Shand. She joined one of at&t's workshops to learn how to video chat for the first time this holiday season. Nancy won't just be hearing about family gatherings, she'll be a part of them, sharing stories, opening presents and making memories all through a screen. Nobody should have to go through the holiday season alone, so be sure to connect and stay connected to your loved ones this holiday season.

[Sophie Cunningham]

Connecting changes everything. AT&T season two of unrivaled basketball is here and the talent is unreal. Paige Beckers, Nafiza Collier, Kelsey Plumb, Brianna Stewart and more are back to redefine the game. Unrivaled basketball season two spot sponsored by Samsung Galaxy tips off January 5th on TNT, TruTV and HBO.

[Public Investing Sponsor]

Max support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI, it all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year. You can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like EFTs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not investment recommendation or advice. Complete Disclosures [e-mail] Disclosures this is an iHeart podcast.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Guaranteed Human.