There is no excuse for Allen Iverson's wayward ways.

Byline: Claire Smith

PHILADELPHIA _ Allen Iverson has apologized in advance for a rap CD that contains so many rants against women and gays, so much glorification of violence that the contents and Iverson's celebrity guarantee a hit.

Iverson hasn't delayed the release of the CD, "Non-Fiction," or indicated that the offending language will be cleansed, mind you.

Hate means only having to say you're sorry without disturbing the original intent. And Iverson's coldly calculating intent _ to exploit and cash in on the war within black and urban America _ remains.

So, too, does the damage, apology or no apology.

By using lyrics so explicit that they hit the senses like the gunfire that serves as background for his music, Iverson is not teaching or enlightening but intruding and callously profiting.

No amount of teary-eyed …