Malone's stepfather dies

I met Ed Turner a couple of times over the years. I remember him being a quiet man with an ever-present grin who obviously preferred staying in the background. Turner, the stepfather of former Utah Jazz star Karl Malone, died Tuesday after suffering a stroke about three weeks ago. Over the years, I remember Malone often crediting Turner as being someone who helped him grow up, mature and learn to work hard. Not a bad legacy for a stepfather. Turner's illness prevented Malone from attending the Hall of Fame induction of coach Jerry Sloan and ex-teammate John Stockton on Sept. 11. Malone did make a quick trip from Ruston, La., to Springfield, Mass., on Sept. 12th in order to attend a post-induction ring presentation ceremony and dinner. At the time, he told ESPN, " ... My family and I decided to get away from that [situation] for a few hours and come here and then go right back." Malone added: "... It was just a respect thing. I came to get a hug fr...