MANILA, Philippines -- Allen Iverson's Philippine agent came to his defense amidst criticisms on the former NBA MVP being dubbed as 'unprofessional'.
Sheryl Reyes, Iverson's local agent, issued an official statement regarding the series of no-shows on TV guestings for both ABS-CBN and GMA networks due to 'circumstances beyond their control'.
Popular TV host aired his disgust for a botched sit-down interview with the former NBA superstar for his show 'The Bottomline' in a story that ran on Tuesday (not on this website).
Abunda was quoted saying, "This is one of those interviews that are not meant to happen." The TV host though did not pin the blame on Iverson but to his camp, which he thought miscalculated that the NBA legend can travel to ABS CBN compound from his hotel in Pasay in 30 minutes.
"On Mr. Iverson failing to show up for his scheduled one-on-one interview with Mr. Boy Abunda for his show “Bottomline” on ABS-CBN on the night of his arrival last November 3: Allen tried to stay awake, following more than 30 hours of travel from the United States, but exhaustion caught up with him and slept past his call time on the set," explained Reyes in the statement released to media outlets hours before the 'All In' charity game headlined by Iverson.
"As we, myself, Mr. Iverson, and his managing team from the US, were finally making our way to the studio, I received information that the sitdown interview has already been packed up," Reyes added.
The popular import agent, who has also brought former NBA star Stephon Marbury in the past, said that "all parties are currently finding ways to resolve matters before Mr. Iverson leaves Manila on November 6."
Apparently, it was just the tipped of the iceberg as Iverson's camp also cancelled two more TV appearances in the other network.
Reyes said that she was the one who called off the supposed satellite interview by GMA7's morning show 'Unang Hirit' at the Solaire Resort and Casino where Iverson's entourage is billeted.
"Let me reiterate that Mr. Iverson never intended not to honor his commitment to GMA7’s early morning program. In fact, while the show’s crew were setting up in the ballroom, Mr. Iverson was waiting in the lobby, awaiting his turn to be interviewd by the host, Mr. Ivan Mayrina," Reyes said.
But a negligence on the part of the organizer's logistics team prompted Reyes to cancel at the last minute.
"Upon inspection of the flooring being laid out, I discovered it was not suitable and would put Mr. Iverson’s safety – and those of the Ball Up All-Stars as well, and I made the call not let the players go on with the live guesting. For this, I and Mr. Iverson, who stayed up until 6AM, deeply apologive to the “Unang Hirit” crew and GMA7 for the inconvenience this has caused. We will do whatever we can to make it up to them," Reyes said.
Iverson also missed GMA7's pre-noontime show on the day of the scheduled charity game.
"Lastly, I would like to clarify Mr. Iverson not being able to make it to “The Ryzza Mae Show,” also of GMA7, today, November 5," Reyes said.
"Mr. Iverson, still battling jetlag, was not feeling well the string of activities he did yesterday, along with the Ball Up All-Stars, Eddy Curry, and DerMarr Johnson, for Gawad Kalinga and membes of the media. I have informed the show’s production team hours before airing that Mr. Iverson opted to rest and get ready for the main event, the “All In” charity game for Gawad Kalinga," she added.
Iverson though was able to attend one TV guesting. The 1996 NBA Rookie of the Year appeared on live TV guesting at Solar Sports Desk last Monday night.
Despite the controversies that hounded Iverson's second Manila visit, Reyes said that the future Basketball Hall of Famer appreciated the warm reception he received from his Filipino fans.
"Mr. Iverson is very appreciative of his Filipino fans’ hospitality and he hopes this won’t be the last he will be visiting the Philippines," Reyes said.