Smith is a wannabe ass, but he does know Iverson, and I have no reason to doubt him. Not knowing all the facts, and not really knowing the person, I have to say I really don't care about what happens to him. He's not a basketball player, just another man struggling to find happiness, one who has a lot of money, but now an estranged wife and a sick daughter. Just another face in the crowd, but someone who grew up in front of our eyes.
As it turns out none of these guys are good role models or real heroes, just a bunch of jocks taking advantage of the big money and the easy women. Even the best ones, like Erving and Bird and Jordan ran around when they had the chance, same as Tiger Woods or any of the baseball or football players. And they get away with it, because they are still stars. How did Michael Irving get back on TV as an analyst after being caught doing crack in hotel room with a whore? The same way Marion Barry got re-elected Mayor of DC! People have no real values and so are accepting of whatever crap gets served up.
Forgiveness is one thing, but these people aren't really contrite, it's just crocodile tears for the camera. Good thing they don't leave the hiring decisions up to me, I guess. Barkley wouldn't still be an NBA analyst after being caught driving drunk and telling the officer he was in a rush to get to his whore.
They're grown men, but none of them are worth looking up to for anything.
