Allen Iverson gives emotional goodbye at retirement announcement

Few players have had the impact on the players of today that Allen Iverson did — everyone wanted his look, everyone wanted to emulate his fearless style.

His career ended a bit awkwardly, with fits and starts, but on Wednesday he made it official.

“I’m formally announcing my retirement from basketball,” Iverson said in a press conference broadcast on Comcast Sportsnet Philly (and streamed live on CSNPhilly.com). “You know, I thought one this day came it would be basically a tragic day. I never imagined the day coming, but I knew it would come. I feel proud and happy to say that I’m happy with my decision and I feel great."

In a speech that included thanks for coaches, trainers and family members, the 2001 NBA MVP offered up a great moment when asked which teammates had a lasting effect on him.

"Aaron McKie," Iverson repeated over and over before succumbing to tears. "He was a teammate but it was on another level."

-- Kurt Helin, ProBasketballTalk