A viral Reddit post has detailed an unpleasant experience involving NBA legend Allen Iverson, with Challenge CEO stating he “let down children and families” during a meet-and-greet in Melbourne last week.
Watch live coverage of NBL and WNBL 2025-26 seasons with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
The post, shared by user Fit-Tourist2852 on r/NBA – a subreddit with more than 17 million members – described an interaction with Iverson at an event hosted by Cavalo Prestige in Melbourne on Thursday, January 22.
“Allen Iverson came to Cavalo Prestige Melbourne to meet 12 kids who are battling cancer,” the post read.
“My little brother, who is 12 years old and currently receiving chemotherapy for ALCL lymphoma, was so excited to meet one of his idols. He came out extremely disgusted and disappointed in Allen Iverson’s behaviour – and so were the other families.”
The event was organised in partnership with Challenge, a not-for-profit organisation that supports children and families living with cancer year-round. It was scheduled as a “Meet & Greet with Allen Iverson” from 10:45am to 11:30am.
However, according to the post, Iverson remained in a separate podcast room until around 12:30pm and did not personally address the families, with his security staff instead delivering an apology.
READ MORE: Why this ‘rare’ moment will make or break team; ‘major piece’ puts everyone on notice: Talking Pts
“We were all told we would get to sit with him from 10:45 to 11:30am, and that did not happen,” the post stated.
“We were waiting in a downstairs room with his security and all of the kids, and his security told us he was ‘having a bad day’ and didn’t want to come out.”
The user also alleged parents were not allowed to be in the room during the interaction, before families were eventually escorted upstairs while Iverson completed a media interview.
Families were reportedly promised signed basketballs, jerseys and an opportunity to ask questions – none of which occurred.
“After waiting hours, his security firmly told us he is not signing anything at all,” the post continued.
“We did not get to talk to him, and he did not say a word to anyone.”
The post claimed one family travelled more than six hours to attend the event, leaving children “extremely sad” by the end of the day.
Fox Sports Australia spoke with Challenge CEO David Rogers, who provided a statement on the organisation’s experience.
“Challenge was deeply disappointed with the meet and greet involving Allen Iverson,” Rogers said.
“There was nothing further we could have done as an organisation to improve the experience and, despite working diligently on the day to manage a challenging and at times disrespectful approach from his management team, we believe Allen Iverson ultimately let down the children and families who came to meet him.”
Wildcats come up short in final seconds | 00:34
This incident comes to light just days after NBL legend Chris Anstey publicly expressed his disappointment following Allen Iverson’s failure to appear at a CreativeCubes.Co event in Melbourne on Friday, January 23.
The free event was promoted as a guest speaking appearance by Iverson, with fans travelling interstate to attend the Melbourne-based function. However, more than two hours after the scheduled start time, Iverson cancelled his appearance.
“So here in Melbourne for an Allen Iverson event – a really good-looking event up on the roof at CreativeCubes.Co, one of the South East Melbourne Phoenix sponsors,” Anstey said on social media.
“Some great sponsors involved, people flying in from Sydney and coming from everywhere. Only one problem – Iverson didn’t turn up.”
“Really, really disappointing for the kids, including my young fellow, who is reasonably distraught,” he added.
“I’ve heard a few of these stories floating around Perth, but it’s pretty disappointing when it’s a 2 to 4 o’clock event. It’s now 4:15 and Iverson is not turning up.”
CreativeCubes.Co executive director Tobi Skovron later released a statement addressing the situation.
“On Friday, we hosted a free, community-only fireside chat at CreativeCubes.Co Balaclava with NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson,” Skovron said.
“Members flew in from Adelaide and Sydney to join us in Melbourne. Families attended. Kids attended. Individuals facing real personal challenges attended.
“Unfortunately, two hours after the scheduled start time, Allen cancelled his appearance at our event. That disappointment was real, and it landed hardest on the kids and those who were there for a moment of hope.”
Skovron also thanked those who stepped in at short notice to support attendees.
“Massive gratitude to Chris Anstey, Josh King and Luke Brennan from the South East Melbourne Phoenix, and Dyson Heppell from Essendon FC, who stepped in without hesitation,” he said.
“Not a cent was charged. No tickets were sold. No revenue was generated. This was entirely about giving back to our members and community.
“While the no-show hurt, I’m incredibly proud of what our team delivered under pressure.”
The NBL itself has also reportedly been affected by what appears to be poor management by Iverson and his promoters. Reports by CODE Sports suggest Iverson was not fully co-operative with the league during HoopsFest in Perth.
Iverson and his team were already planning an Australian tour, which the NBL looked to leverage by having the NBA legend promote HoopsFest. The partnership was announced in late November last year, but recent events suggest that even the league has not been immune to Iverson’s apparent lack of professionalism.