National Basketball Association

Iverson was drunk during 'practice' rant, according to book

Published Jun. 4, 2015 12:52 p.m. ET

foxsports

It's one of the most memorable sports rants.

In 2002, Allen Iverson, fresh off recent criticism that he didn't work hard during practice, authored a news conference that went on to be known as the "we're talkin' bout practice" diatribe.

A recently released biography about the former 76ers superstar alleges that Iverson was drunk during that rant and was an abusive husband.

According to Deadspin, the book -- "Not a Game: The Incredible Rise and Unthinkable Fall of Allen Iverson" -- depicts Iverson as someone who once threatened his wife, Tawanna, that he would pay someone to have her killed. Another excerpt has Iverson punching his wife in the back while laughing out loud. Iverson, according to the book, once told one of his sons "You a white boy, you preppy, you rich boy."

His wife divorced Iverson in 2013 and the former couple agreed to a reported $3 million settlement. Iverson reportedly spent the $154 million he earned during his 15-year career, leaving him in financial trouble.

In a 2011 interview with Philadelphia Magazine, he disputed reports that he had drinking and money issues.

"I would be a damn fool to blow that much money and have five kids to take care of," Iverson told the magazine. "One thing I do have, and I can say, is that I do have money. A lot."