And from Louisiana Tech

So last night, I dragged myself away from the NCAA Tourney (where I went three for four on my picks, though I sweated things out) to watch the tribute to Karl Malone. Yep, the Utah Jazz did what was expected of them and retired his jersey and made a nice little presentation of a statue.

A few thoughts about the Mailman. For all he says that the name on the front of the jersey is more important than the one on the back, I think he says it with tongue in cheek. Yes, he gave it his all in every game, but as he put it (with little or no eloquence), every play went through him. It is easy to say that when your selfishness is rewarded on every possession. Lest we forget, Karl struggled every offseason to keep himself from throttling Larry Miller. I am a big fan of Karl's but I am also a fan that thinks Karl got everything and more from the Jazz.

I won't harp on Karl too much about the missed opportunities in the playoffs but I still see no banners hanging in any rafters that mean much.

In summary, congrats Karl, on a fine career. It was fun and it was real, but it wasn't real fun (to steal a line from the Jazz promotions team).

Karl, you don't have a championship and you don't have the all-time scoring title and it's Karl Malone who has to shoulder the blame in both cases.

We love ya, but we don't miss ya.