Allen Iverson says he prayed to God he wouldn’t faint while giving his Hall of Fame speech during a late night television appearance. He also dished on how he helped break down barriers for the younger generation of NBA players. Get it all inside…
Sports icon Allen Iverson delivered the perfect acceptance speech as he was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame last week. A.I. stood for over 30 minutes pouring his heart out in an emotional speech where he struggled to hold back tears.
Last night, he made an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” where he opened up about praying to God he didn’t faint during his speech. Ha! He said having everyone who helped him in his career in one building showing their support was overwhelming and he could hardly stand it. Aww….
Later, he talked about how he helped break down barriers in the NBA to allow the younger generation of players to be their authentic selves. Back then, A.I. was criticized for wearing his hair in cornrows and having his body covered in tattoos. Now, tattoos and cornrows aren’t even an issue. He said,
“I took the a** whooping for these guys today to be able to be theirselves. I wasn’t afraid to be who I am. I didn’t think anything was wrong with it. I dressed like the guys who I grew up with. And the cornrows, I was just tired of going from city to city having different barbers cut my hair, and they were messing my hair up. So I said, ‘Well if I get cornrows I won’t have that problem.’”
True!
As for the tattoos, he said he always had a fetish for it, but once he came into some money, he was able to afford to get more.
Check it:
A.I. also played a game of Paper Ball Basketball Shootout against Stephen. Find out who won below:
Backstage...
The Basketball Hall of Famer ran into "The Daily Show" host Trevor Noah, who also sat down for an interview. Trevor cracked a joke on Instagram, writing, "Backstage @colbertlateshow with one of my favourite NBA players of all time @theofficialai3. We took this picture perfectly first time, we didn't even have to practice." Ha!
Peep A.I.'s crossover when he came out on stage below:
He still has it!
EXTRAS:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue has invited Hall of Famer Allen Iverson to join the coaching staff. STORY
Photos: Screenshot/Trevor's IG
