"Don't know any former MVP that come off the bench" - When Allen Iverson accused Chris Ford of disrespecting him by using him differently

Most fans reckon that Allen Iverson 's time with the Philadelphia 76ers was ideal. The Georgetown product established himself as one of the best scorers and ball handlers despite his undersized stature. However, the 6'0" point guard faced plenty of challenges.

Apart from the infamous' practice rant' and issues with Larry Brown, the 11-time All-Star had his fair share of issues with coach Chris Ford . During the 2003-04 season, when Ford considered Iverson's knee problem and decided to use him in a different role, the 2001 MVP unleashed one of his most memorable rants against the head coach.

Ford's decision to use Iverson off the bench

On March 14, 2004, after missing three consecutive games due to his knee injury, Iverson prepared to face the Detroit Pistons. While 'The Answer' taped himself up and made sure to participate in the shootaround, Ford informed A.I. about his decision to use him as a sixth man - off the bench.

Insulted by what he perceived as a demotion, Allen refused to play entirely. As a result, the 76ers registered a humbling 85-69 loss at the hands of the Pistons. While the reigning steal champ wanted to suit up, Coach Ford believed his star point guard wasn't at par to start the game.

"From my understanding and what I was told yesterday after his workout, I'm going to look out for A.I. and the team," Ford said . "Somebody's got to make decisions around here."

Iverson blasted HC

Considering that he completely boycotted the game, the reporters were bound to ask for the rationale behind his decision. In response, the two-time All-Star MVP launched a scathing rant against his head coach, mentioning how the latter neglected his stellar All-NBA and MVP track record before making this decision. Iverson felt disrespected and felt that such a treatment was only judged necessary because it was him on the receiving end.

"I don't know any franchise players that come off the bench. I don't know any Olympian that come off the bench... any All-Star that come off the bench.... any former MVP that come off the bench, " Iverson said. "I don't know any three-time scoring champion that come off the bench. I mean I don't know any first-team All-NB that come off the bench. Why Allen Iverson?"

After coaching the Sixers for merely 30 games, Ford was eventually replaced by Jim O'Brien, most likely because he could never forge a strong bond with the marquee point guard.

Related: "I want to be right here where I'm at where people love me and I love these people" - When Allen Iverson established himself as an icon in Philadelphia