Allen Iverson is a professional athlete in the National Basketball Association.

On September 10, 2009, ESPN.com reports that Allen Iverson has signed a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies worth $3.1 million for a year.ESPN.com: Iverson aiming to prove critics wrong

After receiving a permission to leave the team for personal business on November 8, 2009, [1] the Memphis Grizzlies waive Iverson on November 16, 2009. [2] ESPN reports that on November 19, 2009, Iverson clears waivers. He has now becomes a free agent. [3]

Iverson was sued for his involvement in a 2005 bar fight in Washington. Marlin Godfrey alleged that he was assaulted by Iverson's bodyguard, while Iverson stood idle watching the incident. Iverson appealed the ruling, but was denied and was forced to pay $260,000 for medical bills and pain and suffering.ESPN.com: Appeal Denied, So Iverson Must Pay

Allen Ezail Iverson was born in Hampton, Virginia, on June 7, 1975. He attended Bethel High School where he led the football team as quarterback to the state championship. He would later attend Georgetown University, under the tutelage of John Thompson. He would win two Big East Defensive Player of the Year Awards and represent the USA in the World University Games, where he would take home a gold medal.

Allen Iverson is widely considered one of the greatest scorers in the history of the game. He is third all-time in career scoring average behind only Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain and sports superstar Michael Jordan. He was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1997 and the 2001 NBA Most Valuable Player.

Iverson would be selected with the first pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He would quickly establish himself as one of the elite players in the NBA. With his short stature, big heart and his impressive speed he would become a Philadelphia fan favorite. He would go on to win the NBA Rookie of the Year, and be named to the NBA All Rookie First Team. As of 2008, he has been elected to nine NBA All-Star games, and three All-NBA First Teams. In 2001, he won the NBA Most Valuable Player. In 2007, he was traded to the Denver Nuggets along with Ivan McFarlin for Andre Miller and Joe Smith. The trade paired him with fellow superstar Carmelo Anthony making the Nuggets one of the most potent offensive teams in the NBA.

On November 3, 2008, ESPN's Ric Bucher reported that the Detroit Pistons will trade point guard Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets with forward Antonio McDyess for Allen Iverson. The deal was finalized around 1 p.m. EST on November 3, 2008. The trade has been the object of speculation for several months, but no official announcement has been made.Associated Press: Pistons, Nuggets swap Billups, McDyess for Iverson (November 3, 2008) Pistons general manager Joe Dumars hopes that Iverson will add punch as a high scorer for the team.ESPN: Iverson Deal a Risk for Pistons? Dumars Has His Reasons (November 3, 2008)

Iverson failed to attend a 2008 Thanksgiving day practice with the Pistons. Although he apologized, Iverson was fined and removed from the starting lineup of the November 28, 2008, game against the Milwaukee Bucks.ESPN.com: Pistons, Nuggets swap Billups, McDyess for Iverson

On April 2, 2009, Iverson spoke publicly about his new role as a bench player. He stated that he would rather retire than play off the bench.ESPN.com: Iverson Struggles with Bench Role

• June 7, 1975: Born in Hampton, Virginia
• 1996-99: Drafted to the Philadelphia 76ers
• 1997: NBA Rookie of the Year Award
• 2001: NBA MVP
• 2007: Traded to the Denver Nuggets
• 2008: Traded to the Detroit Pistons
• 2009: Signed with the Memphis Grizzlies