Basketball: Dream turns to nightmare for Malone

Karl Malone's dream of an NBA championship ring is rapidly turning into a nightmare for the Los Angeles Lakers future Hall of Famer.

With his team trailing the underdog Detroit Pistons 2-1 and him hobbled by sprained knee ligaments and facing criminal charges after a run-in with a fan during the warm-up for game three, what was supposed to be Malone's crowning achievement is in danger of becoming the low point in a brilliant 19-year career.

Police are investigating a complaint from a Pistons fan that Malone poked him in the head after heckling the 40-year-old forward before Friday's contest.

In a clip shown on television, Malone is seen confronting the man and pointing his finger but it is unclear if contact was made.

"Maybe I did," said Malone when asked if he touched the fan. "But he was on the court, he was in my playing field."