Allen Iverson met with Larry Brown yesterday to iron out their differences... again. After the meeting, there was a question and answer session with the press. What was supposed to be an upbeat occasion following a successful meeting with his coach turned combative as Iverson ranted about everything from trade rumors to criticism of his practice habits to his being the Sixers' franchise player.

Ashley McGeachy-Fox of the Inquirer reports that in a half-hour session televised live, Iverson grew emotional as he lashed out over the hurt he says he and his family have endured because of the constant trade rumors.

"It hurts, because I know I'm better than that," Iverson said of the possibility of being traded to another NBA franchise. "I know I do all I can for this city, for this team, for this franchise, for my teammates. I don't think nobody in the world plays harder than me. And for me to go through this is just tough, man."

Asked if Brown told Iverson he would be back playing for the Sixers next season, Iverson said: "Hell, yeah, I'm coming back." Asked again if he asked Brown whether he would be back, Iverson was indignant.

"Did I ask? Did I ask him?" Iverson said. "I had to ask my coach if I'm coming back? I'm going nowhere. And Larry Brown ain't going nowhere. Yeah, he told me that."

Iverson, who last year was named most valuable player in the NBA, railed on the possibility of being traded. "I'm the MVP, and I got to worry about trade talk," he said. "I'm the MVP. I'm the MVP. That's me. I'm the best basketball player in the world - in the world - I was honored with the MVP. ... and when I lose, this is what I've got to go through."

Asked about his practice habits, Iverson laughed.

"If I can't practice, I can't practice," Iverson said. "If I'm hurt, I'm hurt. I mean, it's as simple as that. . . . I know I'm supposed to be there. I know I'm supposed to lead by example. I know that. ... I know it's important, I honestly do. But we're talking about practice."

Asked about his relationship with his coach, Iverson said that was fine, too.

"I'm that pit bull in his yard, and if anybody tries to intrude, I'm going to be the one that's going to bite and protect his home," Iverson said. "I love Larry Brown," he said. "That's my man. That's my man, but in this situation right here, me and him, you know, we ain't tight as I thought it was, by this s- happening right now . . .

"If you're going to get rid of Allen Iverson, then get rid of Allen Iverson. Get rid of him. Do a trade, you don't have to assassinate [his character]."

Neither Sixers GM Billy King nor Brown would comment last night on Iverson, although Brown will have a news conference today.