The Answer’s Answer Precludes Default Judgment

Former NBA point guard Allen Iverson (aka “the answer“) was sued for breach of contract because he failed to show up to an all-star game party in Dallas at which he had allegedly agreed to make an appearance.  Iverson filed a pro se answer asserting a general denial and various affirmative defenses, but failed to show up for trial. The trial court rendered a default judgment.  On appeal, the Court made clear that, because Iverson had answered, the plaintiff had to prove each element of its claim.  The Court then found that the plaintiff failed to establish the existence of a contract because it did not produce an actual written contract or provide any substantive testimony about the contract’s formation.

Iverson v. Dolce Mktg. Group