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Blavity News is a community and platform for Black Voices, Stories, Creators and thought.
© Blavity, Inc., 2023

Karl Malone Trends On Social Media After Saying He's 'Human' Amid Controversial NBA All-Star Weekend Appearance

Fans questioned the NBA for including the former Utah Jazz player in All-Star Weekend.

February 21, 2023 at 8:53 pm

Over the weekend, some basketball fans didn’t agree with the NBA‘s decision to have former Utah Jazz player Karl Malone participate in All-Star Weekend, which took place in Salt Lake City.

In 1985, Malone was picked up by the Utah Jazz during the NBA Draft. He played on the team for 18 seasons until he ended his career after his final season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He achieved many accomplishments during his professional basketball career, like being a part of the original Dream Team, winning two gold Olympic medals, being an NBA MVP twice, being the third top scorer in the NBA, and having a statue built to honor his legacy.

Since All-Star Weekend took place in Utah, the idea of having the former power forward be a part of the festivities because he’s one of the Jazz’s fan favorites makes sense. The Hall of Famer was a judge for the slam dunk competition and was recognized with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when LeBron James was honored as the new all-time scoring leader after the Lakers vs. Thunder game earlier this month. However, fans and celebrities had mixed feelings about Malone being a part of the events due to some disturbing revelations about his past.

When he was a 20-year-old sophomore at Lousiana Tech, he impregnated 13-year-old Gloria Bell. He denied the allegations for years until she filed a paternity lawsuit, which she and the 14-time All-Star settled outside of court after he was proven the father. Malone had two other children before this child when he was 17, according to Sportskeeda.

During All-Star Weekend, in response to the mentions of his negative past with an underage teen, he told the media he would remain quiet about his business.

“I’m not discussing any of that backlash. I don’t care,” Malone told the Salt Lake Tribune. “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. I’m human,” the Hall of Famer said.

Fans expressed their feelings about his response to criticism of his actions after his dark past resurfaced online following the weekend.

I hate when people aren’t held accountable for their actions. He should’ve been locked up for that. He shows no remorse & is happy he got away with it. The #NBA should’ve cut ties with him a long time ago. pic.twitter.com/2IeM7cQb1c

— Missy 💎✨🙂 (@MsWest311) February 20, 2023

Imagine thinking that being a rapist is part of just “being human”

Wild logic

— Pack (@On_That_Pack) February 20, 2023

NBA wrong for continuing allow this man to be involved. It’s shameful pic.twitter.com/LbMdzobxkT

— Curly Chrys (wears a mask) (@CurlyChrys) February 20, 2023