Agent says NBA's Malone mulling political run

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Utah Jazz star forward Karl Malone, known to fans as "the Mailman," is considering running for governor of Arkansas once he retires from professional basketball, his agent told CNN Tuesday.

Malone, a Republican, has no immediate plans to retire but has often discussed his plans to return to Arkansas, where he owns a large cattle ranch, to seek political office, according to Dwight Manley, Malone's agent.

Malone began fueling speculation of a possible political career last year after a visit to the White House.

"He's a natural leader," said Manley. "He's got a lot of ideas, and this is what he says he wants to do."

EXTRA INFORMATION Karl Malone would not be the first athlete to enter politics. A few other jocks-turned-pols:  • Bill Bradley, Olympic gold medalist, NBA hall of famer, U.S. senator and presidential candidate   • Jack Kemp, NFL quarterback, congressman, Cabinet secretary and vice presidential candidate   • Jim Bunning, major-league baseball hall of famer, congressman and senator   • Steve Largent, NFL hall of famer, congressman and gubernatorial candidate

Malone, a two-time NBA most valuable player, has played for the Jazz since 1985 and has occasionally dabbled in Republican politics.

He campaigned in Iowa in 1999 for Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch's short-lived presidential bid and headlined a 2000 fund-raiser with National Rifle Association President Charlton Heston for a Utah congressman. Malone is an NRA member and a vocal gun rights supporter.

He has never held political office.

Newspapers in Salt Lake City have speculated that Malone may run for governor of Utah as early as 2004, but Manley said that is unlikely.

"I don't know that he'll retire by 2004. He said he wants to be governor of Arkansas. He wants to get back closer to his roots," said Manley.

Malone was born in Louisiana and attended Louisiana Tech. His Arkansas ranch is near the Louisiana border.