Deseret News | Reader comments: Utah Jazz: Mailman delivers even in retirement

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Utah Jazz: Mailman delivers even in retirement

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AL | 1:39 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Great Story to catch up on what Karl is doing in retirement. He was a class act guy and I miss him!

Author | 5:54 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I hope he writes better than he speaks. I've never met the guy so I can't say how he really is, but after watching him as a player for his two decades and listening to his interviews, I am convinced he's got a million-dollar body and a dime brain. If he ever published his memoirs, I hope he hires an incredible editor. And I still wouldn't buy it.

good story | 6:08 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

sniff, sniff... makes you kinda miss the old lug, doesn't it?

Comments continue below

Rare | 6:37 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

This guy is more well rounded than your typical athlete. He wasn't Shakespeare but he is a solid individual and at times he was underappreciated in Utah. I hope him all the best and the story of him and Miller was telling...very telling.

PurplePhil | 7:21 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Karl proved to be a huge disappointment as a man. I made him a very special gift, wrote him a letter and delivered it to him through Mitch Kupchak - no reply from "the mailman". I contacted his agency who said the hand made gift was "misplaced". So I remade the gift, resent it through his agent - and never heard a word of thanks. I've made other gifts through the years for people in the public eye, including the President...and have always at least received a polite reply. Karl couldn't be bothered. What a nice way to deal with the public - or rather, what a pathetic selfish lack of response. Go away Malone - that Dog won't hunt!!!

hindtit | 8:03 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

when i give a gift, i too expect a personal response from the recipient, after all it's not about them, it's all about me. the only thing i like collecting more than letters thanking me for my gifts is stories about how poorly people respond to them.

Craig Coleman | 8:18 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

"I've come to a place in my life where I just realized that if someone gets a little sideways with you, or they criticize you ï¿½ so what," he said. "It don't matter. It just don't matter. Life is too short to be upset with people all the time. The only thing that really matters is if you can deal with it yourself, not what other people think or do."

That's great advice. How much better would the world be if we all took that to heart? If that's how Karl is thinking these days, I'll take his dime brain over anybody else who thinks they've got one worth a little more.

Rupert Pumpkin | 8:31 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

To PurplePhil: boondoggle keychains are so kitch.

Do you have any idea how much garbage celebrities receive from adoring fans? Most of it doesn't find its way through the first possee level let alone to the celebrity. Any "personal" acknowledgment you received was probably from an $8.50 an hour employee hired to handle items of such nature.

Elvis have left the building.

we miss you Karl | 8:49 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I do miss the days of Stockton to Malone. Deron has been a great replacement (although i still love Stockton) but I don't know if there is another player that is in the league today that played with the pure physicality that karl did. That is why Boozer frustrates me so much. I would love to see Booz run over someone the way Karl did in his prime. When your as big as Carlos, you don't have to use touch all of the time. There is something to be said about going to the lane with power and putting a few elbows to skulls. People WILL get out of your way

Karl, I think your a great guy and in your own sometimes quirky way a good person. I wish you the best.

We Need More | 9:15 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Even though Karl was controversial at times, and made statements that a lot of people didn't understand, he has always, always been a person that cared for the less priveledged, those in need or in the case of Larry, there for you if you would let him. Say what you want about him, maybe his lack of education, or where he grew up, one thing he has got is a good BIG, BIG, HEART. If only our world had more like him, how much different our lives would be. Thanks for everything you have gave us Karl.

Author, stay on topic, plese | 9:54 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

This story is about Karl Malone. He played basketball.

Your comment about obama, while I agree with you, is not germane to this story. Try some coffee before posting!

Stockton

mail man | 9:54 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

The mail man is the man. I hope he figures out to write so he can break it down for all the wannabe's, like he figured out basketball and broke that down for all the losers he beat for twenty years. I'm a little surprised to find he's a writer, i'm intrigued by it. I'd read his books, I wouldn't be surprised if they were pretty freakin good. I'm not surprised to know he spent four days with lhm, if the mailman is anything, he's loyal. If there was one person you could have in your corner-he's the freakin mailman.

Karl vs Boozer | 10:17 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

To the guy that Boozer frustrates. You have to realize that Malone played in a time that the NBA let them be physical and every man on the floor was a man. In todays game you have floppers and the NBA trying to move to a finesse game to protect its stars from injury. I am frustrated that people call Boozer soft ( I would love to see them call him that to his face) but if he played more physical he would foul out most games. He just has to play the game that the refs have allowed.

Malone | 10:41 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Malone is the man. Class act. And great guy. I love the Mailman. Stockton to Malone Forever baby!

Sokol | 10:52 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I miss him in every way...I think that he was
the Greatest Basketball Player in my lifetime.
Jordan could never have stood up to the physical
punishment of a power forward.
He never gave up, never stopped trying and his
values were unshakeable...We all know he had
some family issues.
This guy provided me with some of the best
entertainment of my life.
I still remember the comments by NBC, after
Malone singlehandedly brought the series
back to Utah after throttling the Bulls
in Chicago during the Finals.
He is and was a one of a kind player.

To: Author | 10:53 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I have a suggestion, why don't you have a contest with Malone, you get him to match you with writing skills, and he gets you to match him with workout skills. I would bet that he would outdo you without effort. I miss the old days of Stockton/Malone, they were an awesome team, and I admire all the good things that Malone has done, and that far outweighs a couple of writing or speaking glitches. If I were to compare my fitness to his grammar, he would make me look like a total fool, I work out two days a year.

JAZZFANINNC | 10:59 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

To all you nuts on this issue. When you are 30 you worry about what people say about you. When you are 40 you don't care what people say about you. When you are 50 you realize that no on was talking about you. In addition to all you English Professors. Yall kin jus kis mi grits!!!! Now for purple whatever?? Would you define GIFT for me??

Good ol' Days! | 10:59 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Great to see Karl again! What a stud he is. Won't ever be duplicated. Come back and stay a little longer! You're ONLY 45, dude! Get a job on KJZZ! You'd rock!

Karl | 11:04 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

So, does Karl write in the third person?

AL | 11:08 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

To Karl vs. Boozer: I don't agree. If Booz would have come into the league and played good defense and was physical like Karl, he would have gained the respect of the officials for playing hard and would rarely foul out of a game. Karl rarely fouled out of a game. Carlos should watch Malone footage and gain some prospective from a truely amazing player. We may never see anything like it again because players today are in it for the money.

Karl was loyal to his fans and that is why his personal things are here on display for us to enjoy. Take the opportunity. The facility is home to the only full set of Dream Team uniforms. Thank-you Karl for all you've done for SLC and Utah.

Loyalty and good BB | 11:11 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

If you're reading this Karl ((which you're not), thanks for staying in Itah all those years. I know you never got the tong you set out to get, but you sure provided us with some great BB. Thanks and may you enjoy your family.

Mari | 11:13 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Can't the Jazz arrange for Karl to mentor Boozer or perhaps send Boozer to La. for an internship? I love Karl Malone. He never quit! He always fought HARD! Where's the effort these days? Karl always "took it to 'em."

AL | 11:15 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

To Good ol' Days!: The Jazz should have brought Karl in as a physical trainer for the team when he retired. Who in this league today is as physically fit as he is? He could probably still play if he wanted too. I would not want to have to defend him!

To AL | 11:20 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Wow! you really think fouls are determined by "gaining respect of the officials"? You are in another dimension and you did not watch the game in the earlier years of his career.

Anonymous | 11:33 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Author: That's a really ignorant, disparaging comment! Karl Malone is a success story...in sports, in life, and in his family. No, he was never very articulate, but so what? I think he's turned into a good man who is probably a great husband and father. I'm glad he and Larry Miller have gotten past the contention and pressures and are now just good friends. It's commendable that Karl would want to record his life, thoughts, and feelings for his family (NOTE he never said his writings are intended for publication). He's leaving his family a great legacy. I'll always have a warm spot in my heart for Karl.

Mailman | 11:37 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I always liked Malone and even though he didn't always rub people the right way, I enjoyed watching him play for the Jazz. There will definitely never be another player like him (same for Stockton).

Andrew M | 11:39 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

"Arthur" never listened to Malone. I always found him to be extremely intelligent. Of course his vocabulary and grammar reflected his rural Louisiana upbringing, but he was very articulate, and always had something thoughtful to say

Malone was a product of self-discipline, intelligence and constant refinement.of his game. You can't point to many athletes that succeed at the highest levels of their sport and then maintain that success for two decades that aren't highly intelligent. Karl Malone would be successful at anything he decided to undertake.

Of course the thing that irritated a lot of people about Karl Malone was thing that made him interesting: He's an open book. He was not so different from the rest of us, but he always said exactly what was on his mind. He was however different in that he never let the off-court stuff affect his game. I for one, tend to slack off when my boss makes me mad. I always wondered how a guy as emotional as Karl Malone was able to totally separate whatever was going on off-court from his game. I guess thatï¿½s why he is a Hall-of-Famer.

AL | 11:48 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

"Wow!": Yes and you should to. You know players that hack people and don't get called for a foul. They travel and don't get called for it. Let's don't be stupid here. I can name several players and so can you that get away with all kinds of things in today's game. So think before you write to me in here. Today's game is not as different as you think. Respect comes when a players is a hard worker, and unfortunatly to some even if they are not. Ask Shaq, the poorest free throw shooter and biggest traveler in the NBA.

liberal Larry | 11:47 a.m. Sept. 1, 2008

During his playing days, Karl, used this thin skin as a motivational tool. He seemed to thrive on being overlooked, or under estimated. It's good to see that he has managed to get past that attitude in his post playing days.
You can make fun of Karl's brain all you like, but one definition of intelligence is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. By that measure I think Mr. Malone is a regular genius!

forgetit | 5:03 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I miss Karl Malone, too. No one's perfect. Compared to most of today's NBA players he was/is a breath of fresh air.

jx3 | 5:19 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Karl Rocks!!

Anonymous | 5:41 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I wonder if Malone can give Boozer some tips on how to be a defensive enforcer . . .

respect for him | 6:15 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

I will never forget waiting for someone at the curb of LDS Hospital one day. Kaye Malone had that day given birth to one of their children. As I was parked there in my car I witnessed beside me a suburban come close only to watch Karl Malone get out of the drivers seat of the suburban, go back to his trunk and get out a pair of new sneakers to give to a handicapped young man in a wheelchair. The young man was very overwhelmed at this kind gesture. I have had great respect for Karl Malone since witnessing this.

Sid | 8:14 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Why shouldn`t Karl be laid back? With all the money he has he should be. It`s nice he can open up a car dealship to show of his metals and trophies. But I remember he used to do plenty of whining and he and Larry Miller were always going the rounds. Now if you want to talk about a guy with class a say how about John Stockton!

Jason Lindsay | 8:28 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Karl i had season tickets start to finish. Thanks for the fun.You and Stockton pushed each other to exellence. Put Utah on the map.Openend the door for what we have know. GO JAZZ

Jemele Hill | 8:45 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

This is how Demetrius Bell, drafted a couple of weeks ago by the Buffalo Bills in the seventh round, describes his relationship with his father:

Karl Malone had an incredible NBA career -- but he hasn't been nearly as exemplary in another role.
"I treat it as if my mother went to the sperm bank. I don't hate him for [not being in my life]. It made me a better person."

But it's pretty hard to reduce your father to a DNA dispenser when everyone else in the world knows him as the NBA's second-leading scorer of all time, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and arguably the greatest power forward ever.

Yes, Bell's father is Karl Malone. And if you're wondering why you've never heard of Bell or seen these two engaged in any father-son moments, it's because Malone apparently wants nothing to do with him.

Malone has never publicly spoken about Bell. Attempts were made to contact Malone through the NBA office, but he never responded.

It's hard to tell which is more astonishing -- that Malone actually feels this way, or that Bell was able to overcome the heartbreaking reality of being rejected by a parent.

the mailman | 9:14 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Anyone who'd criticize the mailman for his vocabulary is a real genius as far as being a real wimp is concerned. the haters once again found a way to make their pathetic lifes look, yet again, even less appealing. just because these wimpy, pathetic, morons have mastered the only thing a pathetic, wimpy, moron can master-grammar. you got to be pretty pathetic if having good grammar is a source of pride for yourself, and even more pathetic, if you criticize someone who is so obviously better than you in every way, that the only way to feel better is to point out their bad grammar. the mailman spoke the language of the heart and soul, he spoke the language of life, and wrote the book on what it is to be a man. hater's, instead of being a pest to those who have been generous enough to allow you to retain what little self esteem you have by not pointing out all your obvious flaws, why don't you do something productive like move out of your mamma's basement.

Hollywood | 10:36 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

Good post, Jemele.
Karl Malone was a great basketball player. Well, he was a great regular season guy who often came up short in the clutch (TO's, missed FT's). Glad he made peace w/ Larry after all those years of whining about his contracts, not getting enough respect, etc.

To those who say he's a great guy, thouhg, I ask if they really know him or if he was just friendly when he signed an autograph.

Inexcusable what he did to Demetrius. Regardless the relationship with the mother, he still got her pregnant. And he should have manned up with child support, just like he did with Cheryl Ford.

Hmmm, that's children with at least three different money. Yep, I'd say the Mailman certainly delivered!
Great player, very questionable morals.

Hiya Watha | 11:39 p.m. Sept. 1, 2008

"workout" is not a verb

Mailman Fan | 12:25 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Karl - you the man. We love you and miss you!

cheezy sales ploy | 4:58 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Sure Karl, it isn't about bringing people in to buy cars, it's about giving the fans a shrine. How transparent is that? If you want to build a shrine, how about getting a little memorabilia museum in Larry Miller's JOrdan Landing where fans wouldn't be pressured by salesmen lurking over their shoulder eager to sell them a Toyota? There is no reason to house all this great memorabilia at the Toyota dealership other than to bring in customers and make them feel guilty for coming in without intent to buy anything. The fact that you put it all in a sales environment telegraphs what your intentions really were. "Here's my NBA MVP tropthy. Cool huh? Have you seen the new Camry? It's our Toyota MVP and you should have one." How cheezy is that Karl? Please separate the memorabilia from your car dealership so these items can be appreciated without any pressure tactics.

dods 1952 | 5:53 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

The mailman is the reason why I was a jazz fan and still am because of his legacy.

a JOURNAL?!?!? | 10:54 a.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Seriously? A journal?!?!?! How about taking a few English classes there Karl?

"It don't matter. It just don't matter".

I mean COME ON! You're supposed to be this college graduate, super stud, role model and your EBONICS are ridiculous. No racism here - just bothered by the fact that he STILL talks like a hillbilly.

Meanwhile, that's awfully nice of you to wipe for Larry when he needs it.

Kaptain Karl | 12:56 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Karl karl karl...

I want my $25 back...

Where would the Jazz be with out Stockton to Malone.

Not a good father role, I think he is tring to make things work out with his kids, I don't know what he has done with his son that was drafted into the NFL? but the best Power forward of all time.

Money-G | 1:45 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

It doesn't matter to me if Karl was eloquent or dubbed uneducated. He made the best of his life playing what he did well Basketball. He was blessed with GOD given talent on the basketball floor and he played to best of his ablility. And in his retirement it sounds like he is still doing well. You can't help admire a man who came from his humble beginings to a superstar athlete. Who cares if he could speak or not.

AL | 5:09 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

To Kaptain Karl: The tests did not show that Karl was Bell's father it just showed that he OR ONE OF HIS BROTHERS was the father. Karl has been willing to except responsibility for Daryl and Cheryl Ford, so I see no reason, if he was Bell's father, that he would not take responsibility. You can't believe all of the stories you read from the National Enquirer. It is not a good source. You can say that he doesn't have good morals, but we all make mistakes when we are young, so quit bad mouthing him now and think of what he has done for SLC and Utah. He does not have to answer to you.

msorensen | 8:08 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

As much as I like the Jazz I can't believe someone posted that Malone was the greatest player in your lifetime. What are you talking about, "Jordan could never stand up to the physical punishment of a power forward." I would like to see Karl Malone try and chase Clyde Drexler all over the floor. I respect Malone, he was one of the greatest of all time but better than Jordan. Please.

Steve | 8:32 p.m. Sept. 2, 2008

Karl Vs Bozzer, who said Boozer is soft, he's not soft, he doesn't move his feet on defense, he reaches and gets called for fouls because of it. Boozer is a very good offensive player, uses both hands very well around the basket, average shooter, good rebounder, but he doesn't play good defense. Karl was a top notch defender and had a better outside shot. Karl is probably the best power forward in the history of the game.
IT WOULD BE GREAT IF HE WOULD COME BACK AND HELP OUR BIG GUYS GET IN SHAPE, ESPECIALY FESENKO.

Jimmy Z | 9:43 a.m. Sept. 3, 2008

Karl Malone has made a lot of money, and he should
give his sneakers, headbands, wristbands away for
free, he didnt pay for them.If i was in his position
I would do the same thing,money in the bank does lots
of things for anyone.

Missing something | 10:07 a.m. Sept. 3, 2008

Karl Malone never delivered a title. Whoever said he was better than Kevin McHale was on crack.

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Michael Brandy, Deseret News

Former Utah Jazz power forward Karl Malone, right, chats with 12-year-old Baley Brown after signing a basketball for him at Malone's car dealership in Draper on Thursday.