The Utah Jazz is one of the most successful franchises in NBA history. Even though they never won a championship, they played in the two NBA Finals and have 3 seasons with 60+ wins. But there has been one issue with Utah that came up a lot around All-Star Weekend, and that is the various cases of racism around the team. Karl Malone had something to say about that, though.
Karl Malone has a complicated history, but there is no doubt that he is well-loved in Utah. He was the main man on the team in the 90s, helping the Utah Jazz reach the Finals 2 times. And he was around on All-Star Weekend, although some people had a problem with his involvement. When it comes to issues with race, though, Malone has stepped in to defend Utah from those that have criticized the people, giving his point of view on it in an interview with the Salt Lake Tribune.
“I’ve been in Utah, and I’ve never heard a racial slur or anything like that. When I played in the arena, I wouldn’t have allowed it,” Malone said. “… That’s what I stand on. But Utah is my home, and I love Utah — I don’t care what you’re thinking in your mind about [racism here]. I never heard it.
“I’ll defend Utah to the death. I believe all of us can do better, but all these people who talk about Utah — isn’t it amazing that all these celebrities are moving here? It’s a great place.”
There can be no denying that there are some problems in Utah, especially when their biggest star since Malone called it out. Donovan Mitchell spoke about it after leaving the Jazz. And Karl Malone himself agrees that there are improvements that can be made.
Karl Malone Agrees That People Using Racial Slurs Deserve Lifetime Bans And Other Punishment
Although he has shared his experience on the lack of racism, Malone agreed that there is no place for it in the game. He said in the same interview that any fan caught using racial slurs in the arena should be banned from attending Jazz games for life.
Yet, Karl Malone reiterated his love for the place as well. He revealed that he feels hurt when reads negative things about the city and the state, stating that he has always felt welcomed and loved by the community. As long as the NBA continues to crack down on racism and fans grow conscious even further, this is a situation that should only get better.
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