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Keith McCord ReportingKarl Malone's statue and the retiring of his number were certainly expected. He was a great player--no question, but through the years, he was also always good for a good quote!
The fun part about Karl is that you really never knew what he was going to say or when, but every year, there was something. For lack of a better name, here are a few of Karl's "Malone-isms!"
Karl Malone: "Karl Malone the person hasn't changed, Karl Malone loves Utah. I built my house there, I will die in Utah."
When Karl Malone referred to himself in the third person, you knew he was upset about something. Those comments came during an LA radio interview during an off-season contract complaint.
Malone has been talking about his contract situation since the day he arrived in Utah. After riding in the Days of '47 Parade, Jim Nantz asked him if he had made a deal yet.
Q-Are the sides far apart or are they close?
Karl Malone: "Considering it's our first time, we're not far apart at all, just some things that we have to get done between both of us both sides. And I'm hoping that we can get them worked out."
Remember when someone asked him if he was interested in politics after his basketball career?
Karl Malone: "But I think Governor has a nice ring to it!"
Or how about when he sang on a network sitcom?
Karl Malone: "Just look what you're missing and come back and see there's magic, magic in me."
During the NBA finals he uttered one of sports most used clichés.
Karl Malone: "What we try to do in this series is take it one game at a time..."
This isn't the first time a team has retired Karl's jersey. In 1989 Louisiana Tech put his number away for good, fulfilling one of his dreams.
Karl Malone: "It's something that you think about for years and years. First you think about getting your high school jersey, then about your college jersey retired, and hopefully your professional. And just take it one step at a time."
Karl Malone always knew that sometimes the things he had to say would generate headlines, both positive and negative. He could have said things a little differently, but…
Karl Malone: "But, do I apologize for that? Hell no."
