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We’ve been ‘talkin’ ’bout practice’ for 15 years

Posted at 4:40 PM, May 05, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-05 16:41:22-04

NORFOLK, Va. - 15 years is a long time to practice.

Allen Iverson speaks during a press conference 07 May 2002. (Photo credit: TOM MIHALEK/AFP/Getty Images)

But this weekend, we "celebrate" the 15 year anniversary of Hampton native Allen Iverson's famous rant about practice - arguably the most famous press conference in sports history.

The comments came during a 35-minute Philadelphia 76ers 2002 season wrap-up press conference.  The reigning NBA MVP blasted the media for rumors about his possibly being traded, his alleged conflicts with head coach Larry Brown and allegations that he missed practices.

"We're sitting here … I'm supposed to be the franchise player, and we're in here talking about practice. I mean, listen, we're talking about practice. Not a game. Not a game. Not a game. We're talking about practice. Not a game. Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it's my last. Not the game. We're talking about practice, man."

Here's the full transcript of A.I.'s rant, courtesy of Philly.com.

To commemorate the 15 year anniversary, some members of your WTKR news/sports/weather team helped "reenact" Iverson's performance.