‘Karl Malone 13’ at forefront of his legacy; Where is he now?
SALT LAKE CITY (BVM) – Karl Malone’s off-court controversy involving a 13-year-old girl complicated his NBA legacy.
On the court, Malone’s stats solidify his place as one of the greatest NBA players in history. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer ranks third on the all-time scoring list with 36,928 points, and he’s a two-time MVP and 14-time All-Star.
However, his NBA legacy often takes a backseat. Many basketball fans argue that Malone should be left out of NBA greatness talks due to his controversial past with a 13-year-old. It remains so prominent today that the phrase “Karl Malone 13” receives a staggering 40,000 searches a month, according to one major SEO tool.
With that in mind, here’s more information on why Malone’s legacy is complicated and where he is now.
Karl Malone’s controversial past
Malone impregnated 13-year-old Gloria Bell when he was a 20-year-old sophomore at Louisiana Tech in 1983.
Fearing legal consequences, Malone initially denied any sexual relationship with a minor. However, a paternity test later confirmed him to be the father, and a judge ordered him to pay $125 a week in child support. Despite his NBA salary, Malone argued that the amount was too high for him to afford.
That child, Demetress Bell, grew up in an estranged relationship with his father. But Malone and Bell have since reconciled. Bell, who played in the NFL from 2009 to 2012, now lives a private life and promotes Malone’s cigar and vape business on his Instagram.
Where is Karl Malone now?
Today, 61-year-old Karl Malone resides in Louisiana and holds a net worth of $55 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The former NBA player is now a businessman with a growing portfolio.
Malone sat down for an interview with Michael Knowles in November 2024 to provide an update on his life.
One of Malone’s biggest business ventures is his cigar, vape and CBD shop. Stemming from his long-time passion for cigars, Malone opened Legends 32 Cigar Lounge in Ruston, Louisiana. Malone owned the store initially but has since passed the keys to one of his daughters. Together, the two are excited about the future of the family business.
Malone has seven children with three different women – four of whom are with his wife of 34 years, Kay Kinsey.
“Where I’m at with my life is my family,” Malone told Knowles. “My kids and my grandkids. My drive now is as high as it’s ever been.”
Another significant business of his is Karl Malone Auto Group, which operates several new and used car dealerships across various locations. Additionally, Karl Malone Powersport – across two locations – sells motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs and more.
For longtime NBA fans, he sells merchandise featuring trademarked images of his “Hammerdunk” silhouette.
Malone also told Knowles that he’s still in the timber business. He noted he’s always loved the outdoors and enjoys driving the heavy equipment himself.
“We’re land developers too,” Malone told Knowles. “I never change the landscape on what mother nature does. I add to it or clean it up. Whatever that land does now, I don’t change it.”
It’s clear that Malone is focused on family and business – and is trying to move on from his controversial past. He frequently avoids media questions about fathering a child with an underage girl, more recently stating, “I’m not discussing any of that. I don’t care.”
Overall, Malone remains a celebrated basketball figure, appearing as a judge at the 2023 All-Star’s Slam-Dunk Contest and being honored with statues outside the Utah Jazz arena and his alma mate, Louisiana Tech.
