NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson is facing criticism in Australia following allegations that he failed to properly attend events involving children and fans in Melbourne.
The controversy emerged after a Reddit post describing a meet-and-greet with children undergoing cancer treatment went viral. The post appeared on r/NBA, an online forum with more than 17 million members, and was shared by a user who said their family attended the event on 22 January.
According to the post, Iverson was scheduled to meet 12 children at an event hosted by luxury car dealer Cavalo Prestige, in partnership with the charity Challenge. Challenge supports children and families living with cancer across Australia.
“Allen Iverson came to Cavalo Prestige Melbourne to meet 12 kids who are battling cancer,” the user wrote.
They said their 12-year-old brother, who is receiving chemotherapy for ALCL lymphoma, left the event “disgusted and disappointed”.
The meet-and-greet was advertised to run from 10:45 to 11:30 local time. Families were told the children would spend time with Iverson, ask questions, and receive signed memorabilia. The post alleged that none of this occurred.
Instead, Iverson remained in a private podcast room until after 12:30, according to the account. His security team later relayed an apology. “We were told he was having a bad day and didn’t want to come out,” the post said.
The user also claimed parents were initially prevented from joining their children. Families were later escorted upstairs while Iverson completed a media interview. Promised signed basketballs and jerseys were not provided.
Allen Iverson Faces Backlash Over Incident Involving Sick Kids In Australia
“After waiting hours, his security firmly told us he is not signing anything,” the post stated. “He did not say a word to anyone.”
One family reportedly travelled more than six hours to attend. The children were left “extremely sad”.
Challenge chief executive David Rogers confirmed the charity’s disappointment. “Challenge was deeply disappointed with the meet and greet involving Allen Iverson,” he said.
Rogers added that despite efforts to manage a “challenging and at times disrespectful” situation, Iverson “ultimately let down the children and families”.
The criticism follows another Melbourne incident days later. Former National Basketball League player Chris Anstey said Iverson failed to appear at a free CreativeCubes.Co community event on 23 January.
“People flew in from Sydney and everywhere,” Anstey said online. “Only one problem. Iverson didn’t turn up.” He said children, including his own, were left distraught.
CreativeCubes.Co executive director Tobi Skovron said the cancellation “landed hardest on the kids”. He thanked local athletes who stepped in at short notice.
Australian media have also reported tensions between Iverson’s team and the NBL during HoopsFest in Perth. The league announced a partnership with the former NBA star in November.
Recent events have raised questions about the organisation and reliability surrounding his Australian appearances.
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