As reports come out regarding Allen Iverson’s reported issues with gambling and alcohol, the public needs to first withhold judgment and offer support to Iverson as he goes through what is obviously a difficult time in his life.

Since it has been revealed to the public the problems that Iverson may face in his personal life, many have offered their opinion on what exactly his downfall was and how it had been coming all along. And it is exactly those kinds of statements that will only continue to hurt Iverson as he tries to fix his personal life and professional career.

If Iverson does have problems with alcohol and gambling then the public should be supportive of him as he hopefully tries to rectify the situation. The fact that Iverson is also going through a divorce only makes things worse.

According to former Temple University head basketball coach John Chaney, the one person who can reach out to Iverson and help him make the necessary changes is his former coach John Thompson.

"I think there's one guy, and his name is John Thompson," said former Temple basketball coach John Chaney, noted for saving souls as much as winning basketball games throughout his illustrious career. "John is the one guy who'll have a chance of slowing this train wreck down, who could wrap his arms around Iverson and have an impact, because clearly it has not been done. But there's still this one question: Will [Iverson] listen?

"See, too many of our athletes give lip service when someone is trying to help them. And as soon as you leave them, they find themselves dealing with self-preservation and denial. It's an athlete's biggest problem to overcome.

"When you were young and vital, there were a lot of hit songs on that side of the record," Chaney said. "With Iverson, there are no more hit songs on that side of the record. You've got to accept the fact that you've danced and boogied. Now that they've flipped it over and ain't nobody dancing anymore, it's over!

"The ball is deflated. So now you have to find another life for yourself."

Iverson’s entire NBA career has been filled with critics doubting him or criticizing him for something he did or didn’t do. Iverson has been scolded for everything from his play on the court to his fashion choices off the court.

Iverson has made it through all the words of the critics and has managed to have a successful career despite all the naysayers. But as Iverson fights his battles in his personal life, critics should definitely withhold their opinions and instead offer them his support.