Allen Iverson and Memphis Grizzlies Mutually Agree to Part Ways

The contractual agreement that had been signed during the offseason between four-time league scoring champion, Allen Iverson, and the Memphis Grizzlies has been voided due to a mutual agreement that has been reached by both parties. According to The USA Today, the reason behind Iverson's departure appears to be personal but no specific information was unveiled by the Memphis Grizzlies franchise.

Iverson has reportedly been unhappy over his role as a backup and had been vocal about his desire to receive more playing time before he was forced to take a leave of absence due to alleged personal reasons. The Grizzlies opted not to grant Iverson more playing time due to the continued emergence of the team's starting shooting guard, second-year performer O.J. Mayo.

In a statement that was provided by Chris Wallace, the General Manager of the Memphis Grizzlies, Wallace clarified that Iverson intends to sort out his personal issues in the immediate future and no indication was given as to whether or not he will pursue a contract with another team. Memphis Grizzlies team owner Michael Heisley revealed his disappointment that the two parties ultimately came to the decision to part ways.

Heisley said, "On a personal note, Allen has always been my wife's favorite basketball player. I thought it would be great for the city of Memphis. I think it would have been a great opportunity for the people in Memphis to have playing on our team a guy who is one of the greatest players to have been in the game."