NBA legend Karl Malone isn’t afraid of anyone. The hall-of-famer and two time MVP was known as one of the toughest and fiercest guys in the league back in his playing days. Even now in his retirement at age 51, “The Mailman” still possesses that same fight. No, literally.
On Wednesday, Malone joined HuffPost Live to talk about the upcoming NBA All-Star Weekend. In his interview, Malone discussed his beef with Lakers star Kobe Bryant and issued him a “standing offer” to “knuckle up.”
“We had a little issue. I don’t hold grudges,” Malone said. The “issue” Malone is referring to is the 2004 accusation that he hit on Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant.
Malone continued, “I’m old school Western. Back in the day, when you had a beef, you didn’t go get guns and knives… we just go back in the back with no cameras no nothing and knuckle up. Get it over with.”
Malone was then asked if he’s ever made that offer to Kobe. The Mailman responded, “no, but its standing. Its a standing offer.”
It wasn’t just Kobe that Malone offered to fight.
Later that day he appeared on FOX Sports’ “America’s Pregame.” During the interview, Malone mentioned a potential comeback to his short-lived WWE wrestling career. In doing so, he challenged former UFC heavyweight champion, Brock Lesnar, to a fight.
“I’m waiting on that call from WWE. I’m waiting on them to call me because I’m going to get back in the ring with them.” Malone continued, “If I make a comeback, I’m making a comeback with WWE — I want Brock Lesnar! I’m calling him out, I want Brock Lesnar!”
Lesnar has the actual wrestling advantage, but based on the fact that The Mailman is a complete badass, this could be an amazing rumble.
Regardless, it would be awesome to see either — or both — fights go down. I can imagine they’d be just as epic, if not more epic, than Malone’s bout with Dennis Rodman back in ’98.