The Utah Jazz apologized Thursday for a mock phone call that made fun of Karl Malone and teammate Kobe Bryant during a timeout of the Lakers’ game at Utah last week.
Malone, who did not attend the game last Saturday, was offended that the Jazz alluded to Bryant’s sexual assault case in part of a joke.
“For them to put that out there about him, that’s disrespectful,” Malone said. “I will never, ever forgive them for this. No class at all.”
Malone, who played 18 seasons with the Jazz, is on the injured list and did not return to Salt Lake City for his first game as an opponent.
During a stoppage, Jazz mascot “Bear” answered a fake call that was broadcast over the loudspeakers. The caller imitated Malone’s voice and identified himself as “Mail,” saying he wanted to come “home,” L.A. fans were “mean” to him and the Lakers don’t pass him the ball.
The call ended with the imitator saying, “I guess it could be worse. I could be Ko…,” stopping short of saying Kobe.
Bryant had spent the previous day in Colorado, where he’s facing a trial on a sexual assault charge.
The Lakers return to Utah on March 8, and it is uncertain whether Malone will be able to play. His right knee has been slow to heal, and now it looks as though Malone, out since Dec. 21, will not be able to return until mid-March at the earliest.
RESULTS, THURSDAY’S SYNOPSIS
New Jersey 89 at Orlando 79
Nets’ Jason Kidd shot 15-for-27 to break out of scoring slump, netting 20 of 33 points in 1st half. Magic’s Tracy McGrady (22 points) missed 14 of 20 shots after 10-point 1st quarter.
Portland 93 at Atlanta 85
Rasheed Wallace made his 1st 5 shots of 2nd half to score 11 of his 20 in 3rd, sparking Blazers’ 20-6 run that erased 5-point deficit. Blazers have won 4 in a row on road after 2-16 start.
Sacramento 96 at San Antonio 91
Leading 91-87 with :46.8 left, Kings’ Bobby Jackson converted 4-point play to seal win. Tim Duncan had 35 pts. and 18 rebs. for Spurs, who ended streak of 33 months with winning record.
