Malone Says Jazz’s Joke Isn’t Funny

Karl Malone, a Utah Jazz icon for 18 years, called members of the Jazz front office “cowards” and said he would refuse an apology from owner Larry Miller for a between-quarters skit that portrayed Malone as homesick but glad not to be in Kobe Bryant’s situation.

In the act Saturday, the Jazz’s bear mascot pretended to take a telephone call from Malone. The Malone impersonator begged to return to Utah, saying, in part, “They’re mean to me here. They don’t give me the ball.”

It concluded when the faux Malone said, “I guess it could be worse. I could be Ko--.”

Later in the game, the bear resumed the act, though this time Miller took the fake call courtside on a cellphone.

Malone said the mascot called his home recently and apologized to Malone’s wife, Kay. Malone also said the mascot claimed the act was cleared by the Jazz organization, and that Miller was an eager participant.

Although Malone seemed disappointed in his own depiction, he was livid at the Jazz’s involvement of Bryant, who is accused of rape and free on $25,000 bond.

“That was no class from that organization,” Malone said. “After 18 years, for them to stoop to that level is no class. It’s something I’ll never forget. ...

“They don’t know [Bryant]. This is a great kid. That’s disrespectful. I’ll never, ever forgive them for that. Never in my life.”

Malone said he understood how Roger Clemens could pitch so long for the Boston Red Sox and then hope to enter the Hall of Fame wearing another team’s cap.

“I know the chain of command there, and for somebody to pull a stunt like that, it has to be approved by the front office,” Malone said. “For Larry to be involved in the skit ... I would never do that.

“Some of the guys in that front office are cowards. Now that we’re talking about it, that’s the reason I’m not there.”

The Lakers return to Salt Lake City in March. It is unknown whether Malone, who has a torn knee ligament, will be able to play.

“I’m going to Utah on [March] 8,” Malone said. “Whether I’m playing or not, I’ll be there. And then, bring it on.... If I’m living, I’ll be there.”