Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, December 31, 1993 TAG: 9312310060
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Wilder granted conditional clemency to the Hampton teen-ager and ordered his release on furlough so he could continue his high school studies. The governor ordered Iverson to get family counseling, observe a nightly curfew and not play sports while on furlough.
He could be returned to jail if the conditions are violated, Wilder said.
Iverson, 18, walked out of the Newport News City Farm with his lawyers about 1:30 p.m. and did not stop to talk to reporters, said Billy Payne, the jail's director of adult corrections.
Iverson's lawyers had argued there was reasonable doubt about his guilt on three counts of maiming by mob for his role in a bowling alley brawl in February. Instead of starting his senior year in high school in September, Iverson began serving his term at the jail farm.
"There is not sufficient evidence at the present time for me to grant the extraordinary relief inherent in a traditional pardon," Wilder said in a statement.
"There is sufficient doubt to merit that Allen Iverson be granted limited freedom and the opportunity to continue his education," the governor said.
Wilder said Iverson would remain on furlough until Aug. 23, when he would be paroled subject to any conditions imposed by the Parole Board and the Department of Corrections.
Iverson guided Bethel High School to state championships last year in football and basketball. He had been regarded as one of the nation's top high school prospects before his conviction in August.
by CNB