| | Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA -- The FBI raided the home of a Pennsylvania
man just hours before the Philadelphia 76ers lost to Indiana on
Friday night, following an alleged e-mail threat against 76ers star
Allen Iverson and his family, a bureau spokesman said.
The sender, identified as a "Philadelphia sports hater for
years," insulted Iverson and threatened to harm "those near and
dear" to him, making specific threats against his two children,
according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, which on Sunday quoted
unnamed sources who had seen the e-mail.
The message was sent to WIP-AM radio personality Rhea Hughes,
who alerted the 76ers, who in turn called authorities.
Agents seized the man's computer and questioned him, but made no
arrests, said FBI spokesman Joseph Majarowitz. The evidence was
turned over to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which will decide
whether charges should be filed.
"The FBI takes seriously all threats over the Internet of this
nature," Majarowitz said.
Iverson was told of the threat before the game and was assured
law enforcement officials would deal with it, authorities said.
Iverson did not speak to reporters Saturday. Sixers coach Larry
Brown and general manager Billy King declined comment on the
matter, as did Hughes.
The FBI is involved because sending threatening messages over
the Internet is a federal offense, punishable by up to five years
in prison. | |
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