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All-Star delivery Agent says Utah's Mailman will play in midseason classic
Posted: Thursday February 10, 2000 12:49 AM
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Karl Malone's agent says the two-time MVP will play in Sunday's All-Star game, but Malone himself isn't talking. After scoring 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a 113-86 win over Chicago Wednesday, Malone was asked whether he would be in Oakland for the All-Star game. "I'm going home right now to get some rest," he said. Asked again whether he was playing in the game, he said, "My decision has been made." He refused to say what the decision was. Malone had said Tuesday that he would announce his plans after Wednesday night's game. However, Malone's agent, Dwight Manley, said Wednesday that Malone had been cleared by a doctor and would play Sunday. "That's the last I've heard. I think the doctor gave him permission to play." Malone, who has complained of recurring back and finger injuries, wasn't available for comment. He said Tuesday he would announce his plans after Wednesday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. A league spokesman said he had no information about Malone's situation. It will be the 12th All-Star appearance for Malone, who averages 25.4 points a game to rank fourth in the NBA. Malone missed the All-Star Game in 1990 with an injured ankle. Malone said last week he planned to spend the All-Star break at his ranch in Arkansas, resting recurrent injuries to his back and the middle finger of his shooting hand. "Hell, yeah, my body needs a break. And when the proper time comes, I'm going to take it," the 36-year-old Malone said after Thursday night's loss to Milwaukee. The Salt Lake Tribune reported Wednesday that league officials threatened Malone with a five-game suspension, which would cost him about $850,000 in salary. However, Manley denied that a fine or a suspension was discussed. He said the only concern about whether Malone would go to Oakland centered on the injuries. Last week, Manley said Malone had indicated he needed to rest. Meanwhile, Malone reportedly has grumbled that the league makes a greater effort to promote younger players, such as Minnesota's Kevin Garnett and San Antonio's Tim Duncan. Garnett and Duncan were voted All-Star starters by fans while Malone was named a reserve in voting by Western Conference coaches. For the past week, Malone has said little about the All-Star situation. However, Jazz owner Larry Miller said last week Malone doesn't feel respected by NBA administrators. "Karl's a proud guy," Miller said. "I think he feels underappreciated by the league."
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