Allen Iverson Leaves 76ers Indefinitely

Allen Iverson has taken an indefinite leave from the 76ers due to personal reasons related to an illness being suffered by one of his children, the 76ers announced on Monday. It's not clear when he will return, but at the very least he won't rejoin the team as it finishes the final three games of a road trip.

This is the second time Iverson has left the team because of his child's illness; he also missed the first five games of February and, despite being voted a starter by the fans, was unable to participate in All-Star weekend.

"At this time, we feel that it is in the best interest of the Sixers, Allen and his family that he be allowed to deal with a very serious issue that is far greater than the game of basketball," team president and GM Ed Stefanski said in a statement.

Iverson briefly returned to action last week, playing in games against the Heat, Spurs and Bulls, but was largely ineffective, averaging just eight points while shooting .250 from the field. The 76ers won four of five during his absence earlier this month but lost two of three after his return.

In fact, Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the team's uneven play surrounding Iverson's uncertain status has led some within the organization to consider a "permanent break."

Iverson is with his family to deal with medical issues concerning his daughter, but his constant in-and-out of the lineup this season has led team officials to believe a permanent break is best for the organization. [...]

Sources say Sixers coach Eddie Jordan addressed the players on Sunday, and told them there's a chance Iverson may not return to the team. However, Sixers ownership, general manager Ed Stefanski and Jordan haven't sat down and formally come to that decision, but sources with knowledge of the Sixers plans believe the franchise is leaning in that direction.

It's unclear what a "permanent break" entails, but if it were to happen, it seems likely to come in the form of the team telling Iverson to take all the time he needs as opposed to telling him he's unwelcome to return. Iverson's contract is already guaranteed through the rest of the season, and a buyout would result in minimal savings considering he signed for a prorated share of the veteran's minimum.

Perhaps more importantly, publicly cutting ties with any player as he deals with a child's illness would be an absolute public relations nightmare, let alone doing it to Iverson, who has played the good soldier and never publicly complained about his role or minutes following his Philadelphia homecoming/reconciliation.