NBA under fire over controversial legend's inclusion in All-Star celebrations
Karl Malone's inclusion as a judge for the NBA's All Star Slam Dunk Contest has been widely criticised as fans expressed dismay over the NBA great's past and the league's decision to extend an invitation to the former Jazz star.
With one of the highlights of the NBA season taking place in Utah this year, key decision-makers thought it would be best to celebrate the game with some legendary players from the Jazz franchise, with John Stockton and Malone in attendance.
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When Malone's involvement was first announced before the event, fans expressed outrage but that only compounded after he was snapped alongside LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Karl Malone, LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are honored at halftime during the 2023 NBA All Star Game between Team Giannis and Team LeBron at Vivint Arena on February 19, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) Getty
Malone, who played with the Jazz from 1985-2003, impregnated a 13-year-old girl when he was a 20 year old college student. He denied he was the father for years even though blood tests confirmed there was a 99.3 percent chance it was him according to a 1998 article from the Associated Press.
According to reports the family declined to press statutory rape charges because of his impending NBA fortune — but he never accepted responsibility for the child.
He eventually formed a relationship with his now-38-year-old son, who went on to play in the NFL.
Karl Malone in 1989. Getty
Malone also fathered twins as a 17-year-old, and he reached an "out-of-court settlement" related to paternity, according to reports.
But Malone wouldn't discuss the roots of that controversy during the league's All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City.
"I'm not discussing any of that backlash," he said in an interview, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. "I don't care. That's my life, that's my personal life, and I'll deal with that like I've had to deal with everything. So, whatever."
When pushed further on his feelings, Malone said: "Whatever, I'm human."
It's understood Malone also denied Tribune columnist Gordon Monson access to his press conference and told the NBA that he would only talk if Monson wasn't there.
Fans were then left shaking their heads when the NBA paid tribute to the 59-year-old in an on-court ceremony with LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during the All-Star Game.
Over his 19-year professional career, Malone scored 36,928 points, while Abdul-Jabbar sat in first place with 38,387 until James usurped him earlier this month.
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