NBA legend Allen Iverson recently revisited one of the most awkward moments of his career: a private meeting with former NBA commissioner David Stern that turned unexpectedly humiliating.
Appearing on the Joe and Jada Podcast, Iverson opened up about the time Stern confronted him over his short-lived rap career in the early 2000s. At the time, Iverson had recorded a controversial rap album under the alias Jewelz, which drew criticism for its explicit lyrics.
“When I did that bullshit-ass rap album […] I was so embarrassed when I hear that shit now,” Iverson said, reflecting on the project. “But we don’t spend no time on that. The most embarrassing shit was when I did the album, I had to come here to meet with him. First thing he started talking shit to me about a Cleveland Indians jersey […] He’s like, ‘Why you got on baseball stuff? You know you in the NBA.’ I’m like, ‘What?’”
Iverson then described the moment Stern stunned him by pulling out a sheet of paper and reading his lyrics out loud.
“I’m sitting there looking like, ‘Yo, f**k is he doing?’ The man start reading the lyrics, man, I wanted to crawl up under the table. I was so embarrassed, man. The curse words, everything. That shit was so embarrassing.”
The story adds another colorful layer to Iverson’s long and complicated relationship with the NBA during his playing days. Known for his rebellious image and cultural impact, Iverson often clashed with the league’s leadership over issues of image, dress code, and personal expression.
