Allen Iverson.. A Soccer Superstar?

Allen Iverson.. A NBA  Soccer Superstar?

By Paige Costantino

Allen Iverson, former NBA superstar, has recently been in headlines not because of the numbers he's put up in the league, including NBA scoring champion four times, but because of the numbers he's dished out of his pocket. Iverson, has blown through most of his money including the $150 million he made playing in the NBA, that is not including endorsements and has $850,000 in jewelery debt. So now what does he do?

Iverson was in the league for 14 years and spent most of his career with the Phildelphia 76ers including the 2009-2010 season. His last contribution to basketball was in Turkey where he played the 2010-2011 season. During his career he won many accalades including 11 time NBA All-Star and MVP in 2001. In 2001, he led the 76ers to the NBA finals but lost to the Lakers in a 7 games series. The 76ers won their first game against the Lakers, Iverson scored 48 points but the Lakers went on to win the next 4 games and came out the victorious team although the games were close, including an overtime game. Iverson has not played for the NBA this 2011-2012 season but his recent incident has got him scrambling for options. Rumors say he wants to go to the D-League and hopefully be able to get back to the NBA. However, at the age of 36, its hard to still be a professional basketball player competing with players fresh out of college and it is also difficult to maintain the numbers he had as a 22 year old. But the NBA isn't the only rumor out there. Look out NBA fans, we have the next...  Lionel Messi?

Yes, I am aware that Messi is a soccer player. However, recent discussions have revealed that Iverson has gotten an offer from an indoor soccer team, the Rochester Lancers which is part of the MISL or the Major Indoor Soccer League. The Lancers are offering to pay him $20,000 a game and with that would come bonuses depending on the amount of goals scored and his performance. But he's never played soccer before, even in high school he played football and basketball. So why did this offer come out of nowhere? Since his financial fallout, Iverson has been trying to find any opportunity to make money. Also, there has been many questions because of his athletic ability and quickness, if he could of been one of the best soccer players in his prime athletic years. One of the biggest reasons for this offer is to benefit the Lancers. Having an elite and famous athlete compete on their team, no matter what sport their speciality is, leads to more publicity and if he signs could generate more money not only to the team but to the MISL (Yahoo! Sports). Desperate times call for desperate measure though. Could Iverson strap on the cleats and shinguards and take the court field?

Source: All-Star MVP