Nike nixes nameless tribute sneaker with No. 3, 76ers colors after Iverson demands answers

Nike is pulling back on plans for a shoe that sneakily honors Allen Iverson after the former NBA superstar demanded answers.

Iverson says Nike used his identity, likeness and persona without permission for a sneaker out of the company's Zoom Flight '96 collection.

The ambiguously titled sneaker has Iverson's No. 3 and the Philadelphia 76ers colors, but not his name.

Iverson's lawyer sent a letter to Nike this week objecting to the shoe.

Nike spokesman KeJuan Wilkins said in a statement Thursday that the version of the shoe Iverson protested won't hit stores as part of a business decision. Wilkins says the company will move forward with other color schemes.

Iverson, who retired last season, has had a shoe contract with Reebok since Philadelphia made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft.