AUBURN HILLS, MICH. — Allen Iverson apologized today for skipping a Detroit Pistons practice on Thanksgiving and insisted it won’t happen again.
The standout guard was the only player who didn’t show up when the Pistons worked out Thursday.
“First of all, I have no excuses,” Iverson said after Detroit’s shootaround for its game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
“It was a personal matter, but I just handled it the wrong way. I didn’t call and let them know what was going on.”
Coach Michael Curry said Iverson would be hit with a “heavy” fine, and would not start against the Bucks. He wasn’t sure if he would play.
“I expected everybody to be here,” Curry said. “I’m surprised when guys are late. I’m surprised when they don’t show. It’s a pretty hefty fine to be late, or to miss.”
Rodney Stuckey was to start in place of Iverson, who told the Detroit Free Press he “would accept whatever happens.”
The Pistons acquired Iverson from the Nuggets for Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb on Nov. 3. When Iverson was with the 76ers, he had a famous rant in 2002 lashing out at critics complaining about his practice habits.
