As we have chronicled many times here at LBS, Blake Griffin often gets into it with opposing players. Why? Many of them are physically overpowered by him, so their answer is to cheap shot him. Griffin rarely retaliates, but he’s often ridiculed for “flopping.” Charles Barkley and Shaq said on “Inside the NBA” Thursday that Griffin needs to stand up for himself, and Karl Malone said the same thing on Friday.

The Mailman was a color commentator for ESPN’s telecast of the Utah Jazz-Golden State Warriors game on Friday night and talked about how much he likes Griffin. He then explained what advice he would offer the Clippers forward.

“I would love to spend some time with Blake Griffin,” Malone said. “I love that kid. First thing I’d do [is say], ‘Blake, the next time one guy cheap shots you, just lose your mind. I would pay your fine. Lose your mind, run roughshod … if a coach grab you, throw him too and say ‘I’m sorry coach.’

“I love the way this kid plays. I don’t like the cheap shots that people take at him,” Malone said.

Just a few weeks ago, Griffin was taken down by Samuel Dalembert during a game. In the playoffs last year, Zach Randolph tried to choke Griffin. Malone didn’t let anyone push him around on the court, so he’d like to do the same.

Malone is also an old school player and shared one thing about today’s game that bothers him.

“I’ll tell you what I can do without … I’ve never seen so much body armor on. Leave that for our military. They need it. All these leg armor and sleeves … my goodness gracious. I’m old school.”

Despite the complaint about all the armor, the Mailman said that there are a bunch of players in the game today whom he likes and respects.

As for the advice Malone, Shaq and Barkley have for Blake, he just better be careful about what kind of retaliation he pulls; he could end up suspended, not just fined if he follows their advice.