After Sunday's loss in Washington, Brown criticized Iverson's - and everybody else's - lack of defense at key points.
``Who else's name did he mention?'' Iverson said.
Said Brown: ``If you put yourself up as one of the best players in the league, as an All-Star, there's going to be more responsibility placed on you. If you don't want that responsibility, don't ask for a big contract.''
As the Sixers won their 22nd game to match last season's total, president Pat Croce was already quietly mediating behind the scenes and Sixers guard Aaron McKie was gently suggesting Iverson try another tack.
``I love Larry Brown as my coach, I love Allen Iverson as my captain,'' Croce said. ``This is just some family laundry being aired out in public.''
Iverson said Friday night that he hoped the players would embrace a team concept as they headed into the offseason and began negotiating new contracts, and that he didn't want to take up all the available salary-cap space and prevent management from building a winner.
``I've never said I didn't want to be here, because I'd be lying if I said that,'' said Iverson, who dropped 32 points on the Wizards. ``I don't have a problem with [Brown].''
Could he continue to play for Brown in future seasons?
``Yeah, I could see it happening, because I want to be here,'' Iverson replied.
And wasn't it Iverson who once said, ``I think God sent me Larry Brown''?
``God did send him to me, just like I said,'' Iverson said. ``He's here, isn't he?''
Is that a good thing?
``I thought it was a good thing, too,'' Iverson said. ``It still can be a good thing. I think [fences can be mended]. I don't know. I guess time will tell . . . I've been dealing with this all year.''
And, yes, Iverson is aware of Brown's reputation as being particularly tough on point guards.
