MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Memphis Grizzlies will honor Jason Collins, Earl Monroe and Chauncey Billups as part of their annual Martin Luther King Celebration Day event Jan. 19 when they host the Dallas Mavericks.
All three former players will be honored for their contributions to civil and human rights. Collins, Monroe and Bishop also will join Grizzlies guard/forward Vince Carter and Memphis Mayor A C Wharton for a reception at the National Civil Rights Museum for a reception to discuss topics at the intersection of race and sports.
Collins became the NBA's first openly gay player last season as a member of the Brooklyn Nets. Billups is a five-time All-Star and Monroe is a four-time All-Star.