Iverson Offered Contract! (…to Play Indoor Soccer in Rochester)

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It's getting worse.
Last week, we lamented that things had gotten so bad for Allen Iverson that he was willing to entertain offers from the D-League and even South American basketball clubs for one last shot at the NBA (and one last NBA salary).

Now, as minor league entities are wont to do, the Rochester Lancers of the Major Indoor Soccer League are cashing in on Iverson's misfortune by offering the 11-time All-Star and 2001 NBA MVP a "unique offer" to play for the team in its final regular season games of 2012.

The team's official press release (via EOB):

February 18th, 2012

Rochester, NY - The Rochester Lancers, of the MISL’s top level of pro indoor soccer, today announced a contract offer to former NBA star, Allen Iverson.

The Rochester Lancers host two remaining regular season home games to conclude their season.  The offer stands at $20,000 per game, with a bonus of $5,000 per goal scored, win bonuses, and merchandise bonuses.  There are over 12 goals scored on average per game.

"Allen Iverson is one of the premier athletes of our time," said Rich Randall, Vice President of the Rochester Lancers.  "With his athleticism and competitive hunger, I think he can be a great fit with our team and fans as we make an important playoff push, while also driving interest to an exciting, growing sport."

If accepted, the Lancers have also offered to host his friends and family through the duration of his stay.  With the per-game pay and bonuses, this offer will come close to the offer (per game) set by Turkish basketball team, Besiktas and ultimately keeping him the United States.

The Rochester Lancers are a franchise of the Major Indoor Soccer League, the highest level of professional indoor soccer.  Lancers games are played at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY.  The Lancers name derives from the original NASL Lancers team that played host to players such as Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, George Best and Carlos Metidieri.  For more information, visit www.rochesterlancers.com

The only thing sadder than watching this guy fall this far is my Sunday night realization of just how much I miss Socceroo.
As unfortunate (though nonetheless amusing) as this is, it's also not unthinkable that Iverson would have made one helluva soccer player under the right circumstances. Obviously it's a little late now, but I'd love to hear Rev's unbridled enthusiasm at the thought of Iverson taking off on an overlapping run.
The good news for A.I., should he accept the offer, is that he may feel more at home in indoor soccer than anywhere else. The league does have a three-point line.
And really, Iverson once played football -- so why not futbol?

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