2. “Talkin’ about practice” rant in 2002
Few press conferences in sports history were as memorable as Iverson’s infamous “practice” rant in 2002. Just four days after getting bounced from the playoffs in the first round — a disappointing finish just one year removed from an NBA Finals appearance — Iverson hit the podium with some words to say.
Earlier that afternoon, Iverson and Coach Larry Brown got into a heated shouting match after the former showed up late for a team meeting. Iverson and Brown were feuding all season, with one of Brown’s primary critiques being Iverson’s lackluster practice habits.
After Brown made it clear Iverson wasn’t getting traded, Iverson agreed to a press conference in the evening. Some thought he was drunk, although Iverson firmly denies those claims. When questioned about his effort level in practice, Iverson popped off.
"“We sitting in here — I’m supposed to be the franchise player, and we in here talking about practice. I mean, listen: We talking about practice. Not a game. Not a game. Not a game. We talking about practice. Not a game. Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it’s my last. Not the game. We talking about practice, man.” — ESPN"
Iverson was clearly irritated. A difficult season, bad locker room dynamic and personal issues were getting to him. Years later, Iverson strongly condemned his comments, saying he “ it wouldn’t have ever happened.”
It’s worth noting, however, Iverson had demons that extended well beyond basketball. His emotions were raw, and his press conference — despite the practice rant — was about far more than questionable practice habits.
He had recently loss his best friend, who was shot seven months early. It was something Iverson struggled with all season, and the murder trial for the accused shooter began just days prior to the press conference. Iverson would comment on the difficult situation minutes after downplaying practice.
"“I’m upset for one reason: ‘Cause I’m in here. I lost. I lost my best friend. I lost him, and I lost this year. Everything is just going downhill for me, as far as just that. You know, as far as my life. And then I’m dealing with this. … My best friend is dead. Dead. And we lost. And this is what I have to go through for the rest of the summer until the season is all over again.” — ESPN"
Fans often disregard the human element of being an athlete, which shouldn’t be the case. Iverson dealt with severe pain and sadness in his personal life, which carries onto the court and into press conferences. It’s impossible not to sympathize with him.
One has to the look no further than the Markelle Fultz debacle to understand the importance of context and remembering the human side of issues. The “practice” rant is a prime example.