Tearful β€œAnswer” to Questions of Return

Iverson breaks down while talking about his second chance in Philadelphia

A tearful and remorseful Allen Iverson is happy to be back with the Philadelphia 76ers.

"When I had the opportunity to come back here...I couldn't turn it down," a choked up Iverson said during a 45-minute press conference. "I'm just happy."

Iverson officially returned to the franchise where he was an MVP, calling the opportunity a "no brainer" -- especially because of the fans.

"The relationships that I have with these [Philly] fans, are like no other, I think, in sports," No. 3 said. "A love for them and they love me and it's evident."

He's ready to prove he can still play, he said at the Wachovia Center on Thursday. The 10-time All-Star guard signed a non-guaranteed deal with the 76ers on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old Iverson was teary almost from the start of his news conference. He says he retired after his ill fated stint with Memphis because he felt like β€œthe basketball part of my life was over.”

"With the mistakes that I made in my life, you know, I created a picture that's not me," he said. "I did a lot of things when I was young that I'm not proud of, but I think I know those things helped me be the man that I am now."

But, alas he reminded everyone that he β€œwas born to be a basketball player.”

"The last couple of years has been hell because, you know, all I wanna do is play basketball," he said.

So, he’s back.

Iverson will play his first game for the 76ers against Denver on Monday.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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