Karl “The Mailman Malone” is a good man, and he is always on time

Over the years, a lot of negative things have been written and said about Karl Malone, some of it true, but most of it is not true. The adage that everybody makes mistakes is what is true, especially when they are young and dumb. I think Karl Malone would admit that today.

He made some big mistakes when he was a young man, and he handled those mistakes badly. He has more than made up for those mistakes. Of course, he could have handled those mistakes better. None of that takes away from the fact that many of the people who know Karl “The Mailman” Malone, know him to be a good man.

They also know him to be a good son, a good husband, a good friend, and yes, a good father. Just ask his wife of 32 years, Kay, with whom he has four children. If anyone knows the character of a man, it is his mate of 32 years.

He recently made this admission about his youthful mistakes: “I didn’t handle it right; I was wrong, Father time is the biggest thief that’s out there, and you can’t get it back.”

Karl Malone, better known as “The Mailman,” was born in the small north central Louisiana town of Summerfield, Louisiana. One side of the sign on Highway 167 north said entering Summerfield, and the other side of the sign said leaving Summerfield. It was that small and certainly what we call “country.”

Karl’s mother’s name was Shirley Turner. He was the youngest of her nine children. There were a lot of Turners living in that area of Summerfield, Bernice, and Spearsville. In fact, I met one of those Turners when I was a sophomore at Louisiana Tech, and I married her. But that is another story for another day.

During the time when I attended Louisiana Tech, Karl was seven years old, and in the second grade. I attended Louisiana Tech during its transition from an all-white university to a student population that is considered one of the most diverse in the state. Monumental changes have taken place at the school over the last fifty years.

I remember the days when I walked the halls of Louisiana Tech, witnessing firsthand the winds of change sweeping through our state. As I said, it was a time of great transition, as colleges like Louisiana Tech opened their doors to black students like me, marking the beginning of a more inclusive era for Louisiana colleges.

Little did I know that a seven-year-old boy from Summerfield would one day grace the same campus, leaving an indelible mark on both the university and the world of basketball.

Karl Malone's journey from a small Louisiana town to the pinnacle of NBA stardom is a testament to hard work, resilience, and unwavering determination. Standing at a formidable 6'9" and weighing 255 pounds of pure muscle, Malone was a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court.

His dominance during his tenure at Louisiana Tech foreshadowed a legendary career that would span almost two decades in the NBA. As the Number 1 draft pick of the Utah Jazz, Malone's impact was immediate and profound.

He etched his name in the annals of basketball history, becoming the third highest scorer in the game's storied legacy, scoring over 36,000 points. He was a 14-time all-star, a two-time MVP, and a two-time gold medal winner, and considered one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.

But beyond the numbers and accolades, Malone's true greatness lies in his commitment to making a difference off the court. Malone's philanthropic endeavors are as impressive as his slam dunks and rebounds.

As a savvy businessman, he has leveraged his success to uplift countless lives, from providing aid to those affected by hurricanes in Louisiana to helping individuals in need, often without seeking recognition or praise.

The Karl Malone Foundation, which is his family’s foundation, gives scholarships to academically worthy students all over the country. His generosity has touched the lives of many, quietly weaving a tapestry of hope and resilience in communities far and wide.

His foundation has provided scholarships for underprivileged youth, supported initiatives for education and youth development, and lent a helping hand to those facing adversity.

Whether through his trucking company, his car dealerships, or his other business ventures, his impact reverberates far beyond the hardwood. In an era where athletes are often celebrated solely for their on-court exploits, the “Mailman” stands out.

He is a testament to the southern values that he was raised with in little Summerfield, Louisiana. He reminds us that true greatness is not measured solely by points scored or championships won but by the lives touched and the legacy left behind.

The Mailman may have delivered countless baskets throughout his career, but his greatest delivery is the gift of hope to those less fortunate. Just ask the thousands of people in Farmersville, Louisiana who were the beneficiaries of the food that he and his family donated.

Then there are the thousands of south Louisianans who he used his trucks to deliver food and supplies to after devastating hurricanes hit the gulf coast. There are numerous other examples of his generosity that are not known by the public.

In the world of professional basketball, names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant often dominate the headlines. But amidst the hoopla of high-flying dunks and buzzer-beaters, there was a towering figure whose impact stretched far beyond the hardwood. Karl Malone, known to many as "The Mailman," didn't just deliver points; he delivered hope, opportunity, and compassion to thousands of people.

The moniker "The Mailman" wasn't just a catchy nickname; it was a testament to Malone's reputation for reliability and consistency. Whether it was delivering points in the paint or delivering hope to those in need, Malone always came through when it mattered most. His legacy extends far beyond the confines of the basketball court. The “Mailman” always delivers on time. And that’s my take. smithpren@aol.com

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Karl “The Mailman Malone” is a good man, and he is always on time