The Associated Press is reporting that Karl Malone has some monstrous plans.  Malone announced at a news conference at the Delta Center that he will spend $500,000 to have an entry in the U.S. Hot Rod Association's monster truck circuit. The truck will be named "The Power Forward" and will compete in 120 events in what is called the Monster Jam.  Although there will be a regular driver, Karl plans to elbow his way into the driver's seat when his schedule permits.  Imagine having Karl bearing down at you atop a 1200 horsepower flame-spitting juggernaut?  If this is a hit, expect Shaq to get "The Diesel" on the circuit soon.  No truth to the rumor that John Stockton will be driving a Ford Fiesta to screen Karl from the other competitors.

John Stockton will not talk to the Utah Jazz until September about what his salary will be but the Deseret News is reporting that it will be less than the $11 million he got last year.  The Jazz are fast closing in on Luxury Tax numbers and all that would appear to be left for Stockton is considerably less than he's been getting.  If Stockton signs for all the Jazz have left, any further moves the Jazz could make would have to be through trades.

The Deseret News' Tim Buckley takes a pretty good cut at explaining the Luxury Tax situation for the Jazz and the general rules involved for all teams.  It's stuff which many RealGm folks might already know but it's a pretty good compilation of the major limitations in the new CBA.  The situation for the Jazz is pretty clear.  Jazz owner Larry Miller has firmly stated he will not be paying.