Karl Malone somewhat responds to criticisms over All-Star weekend involvement

Utah Jazz legend Karl Malone has somewhat responded to those who criticized his involvement in NBA All-Star weekend festivities held in and around Salt Lake City.

"As players, we hear what’s written about us or said about us," Malone told Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune. "I’m not discussing any of that backlash. 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." 

Malone was asked about his feelings regarding his public reputation these days. 

"Whatever. I’m human," he reportedly responded. 

Malone is a Hall of Famer but is now more so known by many for controversial off-the-court happenings. Most notably, James Brinsford of Newsweek and others have routinely pointed out that Malone allegedly impregnated Gloria Bell when she was 13 and he was a 20-year-old college student. 

Malone then reportedly failed to publicly acknowledge that Demetress Bell was their son until Demetress was 17. 

Demetress went on to play in the NFL, and Malone never faced criminal charges. 

Chris Novak of Awful Announcing noted how media personality Bomani Jones went viral ahead of the All-Star Game played on Sunday night for his verbal takedown of Malone and the league for having the 59-year-old at All-Star-related events. 

"I miss the Jazz," Malone admitted during his comments. "I don’t need a job — I [just] miss the Jazz. Where I grew up, where I’m from, respect is huge to me. You give respect, but sometimes you feel slighted. We’ll just see. I’ve talked to [Jazz owner Ryan Smith] — we have a good relationship just talking, but I don’t know him that well. We’ll just see. But I miss the Jazz." 

For a piece published on Sunday, Gordon Monson of The Salt Lake Tribune blasted the NBA for "ignoring" aspects of Malone's past. 

According to Andrew Crane of the New York Post, Malone served as a judge for the Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night. Malone, LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were later honored as the top three all-time career scorers in NBA history: