Jan. 21, 2008

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - St. Bonaventure and NBA legend Bob Lanier will be honored today in Memphis by the National Civil Rights Museum for his contributions to civil and human rights.

The Memphis Grizzlies are hosting the Sixth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Game and Celebration when they play the Chicago Bulls. Lanier and former NBA superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be honored just before the game, which airs nationally at 5:30 p.m. on TNT.

Abdul-Jabbar and Lanier are this year's recipients of the National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Awards in the national and international categories, respectively. The award pays tribute to athletes who have made significant contributions to civil and human rights and who have laid the foundation for future leaders through their careers in sports in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lanier is a legend both on and off the court. An eight-time NBA All-Star and member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Lanier routinely visits with students and delivers motivational messages on education, youth and family development and health issues. Lanier serves as Special Assistant to the Commissioner with specific responsibilities in the areas of refereeing, basketball operations and public service, and he helps lead NBA CARES, the league's global outreach program.

"The work being done by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob Lanier represents the values Dr. King stood for, and we're proud to honor them on a day that has such significant meaning," said Memphis Grizzlies President of Business Operations Andy Dolich.

Before the game begins, Lanier and Abdul-Jabbar will take part in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Sports Legacy Symposium, emceed by TNT sideline reporter David Aldridge. Abdul-Jabbar and Lanier will share their stories and experiences about their contributions to civil and human rights in the spirit of Dr. King.

Prior to tip-off of the Bulls-Grizzlies game, Lanier and Abdul-Jabbar will be presented with their awards.