Allen Iverson Marks Six Months Sober: “One of the Best Decisions of My Life”

NBA legend Allen Iverson says his proudest achievement has come off the court — putting down the bottle.

In a new interview on “CBS Mornings,” the 11-time All-Star opened up about his decision to stop drinking, revealing he recently hit the six-month mark in his journey to sobriety. Iverson described it as one of the most life-changing decisions he’s ever made.

“One of the best decisions that I ever made in my life was to stop drinking,” Iverson told CBS’s Maurice DuBois. “Better than I did when I was doing it,” he added, when asked how he feels now.

Iverson reflected on how alcohol altered not only his behavior but his relationships, saying, “When you get drunk, you’re not how you usually are. The more and more I see it on other people, the more and more it makes me happy about the decision.”

He also credited the positive impact it’s had on those around him. “The more and more I see how the people around me appreciate it, I love it,” Iverson said.

His longtime partner, Tawanna Turner — whom Iverson has been with on and off for 35 years — is reportedly thrilled with the transformation. Though the two divorced in 2013, they’ve remained close.

Iverson appeared on the show while promoting his memoir, Misunderstood, which covers everything from his rise to stardom to the personal challenges he faced in the spotlight. Known for his explosive crossover and fearless approach on the hardwood, Iverson also left a cultural mark with his style and authenticity — from tattoos and braids to breaking the NBA’s old-school dress code.

Drafted first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996, Iverson went on to win league MVP in 2001. He played 12 seasons with the Sixers, who retired his No. 3 jersey in 2014, and had stints with the Nuggets, Pistons, and Grizzlies before playing briefly overseas in Turkey.

Today, Iverson serves as Vice President of Basketball at Reebok, where he remains a beloved icon among fans and players alike — and now, a voice for personal growth and redemption.