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The NBA is being criticized for appointing former basketball star Karl Malone as a judge for its upcoming Dunk Contest, following his past allegations of being a pedophile.
Malone spent the majority of his career with the Jazz, earning two NBA MVP awards, and was a 14-time All-Star. He retired in 2005 after playing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although he was widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his era, Malone’s reputation has been tarnished by his past allegations of pedophilia and his complicated relationship with his children.
At the age of 20, while he was a basketball star and student at Louisiana Tech University, Malone got 13-year-old Gloria Bell pregnant. Bell gave birth to a son, Demetress Bell, who later became an NFL lineman, but was abandoned by Malone.
Malone also had twins with his partner Bonita Ford when they were both 17. However, he chose not to have any involvement with these children until he became a grandfather. He settled paternity lawsuits outside of court and remained estranged from his biological children.
Although he was not charged with any crime, his shady past has continued to follow him throughout his career.
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The decision to appoint Malone as a judge for the All-Star Game Dunk Contest has sparked outrage among fans and critics, who say that the NBA’s decision is insensitive and inappropriate given his past.
Many have taken to social media to express their concerns, with some calling for Malone to be removed from the panel of judges.
Others have criticized the NBA for its lack of sensitivity and awareness, questioning how someone with such a controversial past could be considered for the role.