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ShareIverson and Webber Apologetic For Their Actions
A remorseful Allen Iverson and Chris Webber each apologized to the fans during a pregame availability as the 76ers were set to close out the 2005-06 regular season in Charlotte. The duo had arrived late to the Sixers final home game on April 18 and were not seen sitting on the bench. The game was designated as Fan Appreciation Night.
“I just think that yesterday was just a big misunderstanding. We didn’t try to shun the fans or whatever is being reported, (that is) disrespect fans,” Webber said.
“I definitely wasn’t trying to disrespect (Head Coach) Mo (Cheeks) in any way or the fans like everybody is talking about,” Iverson said. “I’ve been here for 10 years and to just deliberately try to disrespect the fans is crazy. I would never try to do that in any way, and I’m upset that it got out and it came across that way.”
Cheeks was also remorseful for the events in Philadelphia and how the night unfolded. Speaking to the media before the Bobcats’ game, Cheeks recognized how important Iverson and Webber are to the fans and reiterated how “very, very apologetic” the two players were in a meeting he had with each.
Echoing what Webber said earlier, Cheeks said there was miscommunication.
“I just thought my communication to Chris and Allen was not what it should have been and it was just a series of miscommunications, and I take responsibility. Personally, I am very sorry for my communication to you, to the media, and to the fans because in no way do I want to disillusion anyone about Allen and Chris.”
Neither player understood the magnitude that their actions had. The pair arrived at the Wachovia Center just before tip-off of the New Jersey game but did not sit on the bench, remaining in the locker room.
“I honestly brought it on myself by showing up at 7 o’clock. But I just gave people ammunition to be able start a whole bunch of stuff before the summer comes,” Iverson said. “Every summer is this way; I just feel bad that I let that happen.”
“The way that it happened on Fan Appreciation Night and to the people that really support us so much, I wish it wouldn’t have happened,” Webber said. “If I would have known that this is the impact it would have had, I would not have acted that way.”
“I just think that yesterday was just a big misunderstanding. We didn’t try to shun the fans or whatever is being reported, (that is) disrespect fans,” Webber said.
“I definitely wasn’t trying to disrespect (Head Coach) Mo (Cheeks) in any way or the fans like everybody is talking about,” Iverson said. “I’ve been here for 10 years and to just deliberately try to disrespect the fans is crazy. I would never try to do that in any way, and I’m upset that it got out and it came across that way.”
Cheeks was also remorseful for the events in Philadelphia and how the night unfolded. Speaking to the media before the Bobcats’ game, Cheeks recognized how important Iverson and Webber are to the fans and reiterated how “very, very apologetic” the two players were in a meeting he had with each.
Echoing what Webber said earlier, Cheeks said there was miscommunication.
“I just thought my communication to Chris and Allen was not what it should have been and it was just a series of miscommunications, and I take responsibility. Personally, I am very sorry for my communication to you, to the media, and to the fans because in no way do I want to disillusion anyone about Allen and Chris.”
Neither player understood the magnitude that their actions had. The pair arrived at the Wachovia Center just before tip-off of the New Jersey game but did not sit on the bench, remaining in the locker room.
“I honestly brought it on myself by showing up at 7 o’clock. But I just gave people ammunition to be able start a whole bunch of stuff before the summer comes,” Iverson said. “Every summer is this way; I just feel bad that I let that happen.”
“The way that it happened on Fan Appreciation Night and to the people that really support us so much, I wish it wouldn’t have happened,” Webber said. “If I would have known that this is the impact it would have had, I would not have acted that way.”
