Israeli coach denies Allen Iverson rumors

Maccabi Haifa coach denies Iverson signing

Despite previous rumors that Allen Iverson had signed a contract with Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, the team has "strongly denied" the rumors that they had signed the 11-time NBA all-star.

The rumors surrounded the team's coach, Brad Greenberg, the brother of Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg, who was the general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers when they took Iverson No. 1 overall in 1996. When he was interviewed by Spanish sports site Sportando, he refuted the claims.

"It is natural for people to link us up but I have not spoken to Allen in years" said Greenberg.

The idea that the retired Iverson would sign with an Israeli club for a pair of preseason games due to a connection over a decade old seemed somewhat far-fetched, but the 2001 MVP was last seen playing professionally for about two months with Turkish team Besiktas, so it wasn't completely unbelievable. However, it appears the reportedly bankrupt 37-year-old will remain retired and let his legacy speak for itself rather than trying to continuing to play.

Allen Iverson set to sign in Israel

Allen Iverson, who had announced his retirement earlier this year, has apparently signed with Israeli team Maccabi Haifa for a pair of preseason games against NBA teams, with the team considering bringing him in for more games.