Fans Sound Off on Iverson's Absence

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - In the tradition of Memphis basketball there's always been two side of the court: the University of Memphis Tigers and the Memphis Grizzlies.

With the addition of Allen Iverson to the Grizzlies the city was abuzz, and fans say tickets looked like they'd be sold.

"[Iverson] has a lot of energy and fans liked his energy that he puts out on the court, and you wanted to see that first hand... along with a good attitude," said Kelvin Ferguson.

But with word of A.I. leaving the team indefinitely because of an undisclosed personal issue, fans are speaking out about what they thought would have been a magical, or at least a more exciting season.

"Everyone was really excited about him coming and awaiting him to start playing," said Tracy Lewis.

Lewis says the addition of A.I. to the lackluster performing team drew her to follow the excitement, even if it was for only a few weeks and 3 games played by Iverson.

"To just not suit up and show up, I thinks it's a big disappointment."

It's also not hard to find fans that don't really care.

"I don't think they win that many games," said one fan. "To me they're just not interesting."

But Rashad McAlister says the writing was on the wall before a contract had even been signed.

"Memphis knew what they were getting into when they signed Iverson," said McAlister. "I mean he's got a history of selfishness, you know."

But in the end, not a lot is known about the circumstances of Iverson's indefinite departure.

"It is what it is, you shouldn't have signed Iverson in the first place – he's detrimental to the team."