The 2009-2010 season has been full of ups and downs for Allen Iverson. First he signed a deal with the young, promising Memphis Grizzlies. Yet, just a week into the season, his contract was bought out, as he wasn’t happy with his role. A short time later, he was reunited with the franchise that he called home for so many years. Emotional at the press conference, it seemed Iverson was finally happy, and that the suffering Sixers might again return to glory…er, mediocrity at least.

Fast-forward some time, and Iverson’s daughter Messiah, was hospitalized with an un disclosed illness that has caused A.I. to miss a large amount of games. He missed five games before the All Star break, and has recently missed the last four games after a brief three game return. Today, Sixers’ GM Ed Stefanski released the following statement (via Philly.com):

“After discussing the situation with Allen, we have come to the conclusion that he will not return to the Sixers for the remainder of the season, as he no longer wishes to be a distraction to the organization and teammates that he loves very deeply. It has been very difficult for Allen and the team to maintain any consistency as he tries to balance his career with his personal life.”

It’s ironic, because just yesterday, I was talking with my mom about how when my brother was younger, he nearly lost his life to asthma. She said it was the worst week of her life, as she felt helpless as my brother lay ill in the hospital. I respect Iverson for putting his family first, and we’ll see what happens from here. My guess, is that his career is probably over.

As more information becomes available, I’ll add it to the bottom of this post, so stay tuned!

-G