Allen Iverson ‘Seen Begging for Change Outside Atlanta’s Lenox Mall’ Article Not Real

An article saying Allen Iverson, the ex-Philadelphia 76ers great, was spotted "begging for change outside [of] Atlanta's Lenox Mall" is fake. Former Philadelphia 76ers basketball player Allen Iverson smiles during a news conference Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, in Philadelphia. Iverson officially retired from the NBA, ending a 15-year career during which he won the 2001 MVP award and four scoring titles. Iverson retired in Philadelphia where he had his greatest successes and led the franchise to the 2001 NBA finals. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

An article saying Allen Iverson, the ex-Philadelphia 76ers great, was spotted “begging for change outside [of] Atlanta’s Lenox Mall” is fake.

The bogus report was posted on The News Nerd, a self-described “satirical” website.

“Troubled former NBA basketball player Allen Iverson was seen begging for change outside of Lenox Mall in Atlanta. Several mall patrons reported a man with a disheveled appearance harassing them for change,” it reads. “When security arrived, they were shocked to see it was none other than basketball legend Allen Iverson. Iverson was asked to leave the premises by mall security.”

According to a disclaimer, the website doesn’t post real news and shouldn’t be taken seriously. “The stories posted on TheNewsNerd are for entertainment purposes only. The stories may mimic articles found in the headlines, but rest assured they are purely satirical,” it says at the bottom of each page.

A number of people apparently believed the Iverson hoax. It was shared widely on Facebook--with thousands of “likes.”

“This is so sad and hard to take in. He has always been my favorite player and idol. What happened? Someone needs to help him get back on his feet. Why doesn’t the 76'ers help him. They have plenty of money! My heart goes out to him,” one person wrote in the News Nerd’s comments section.