Press Releases

CHICAGO, Feb. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A new documentary honoring the life and career of the late Pacers player and newly-elected basketball hall-of-famer Roger Brown – "the best player fans have never known" – will be the highlight of the halftime program at the Indiana Pacers vs. Golden State Warriors game, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on February 26 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

The documentary is a co-production of WFYI Public Media and Ted Green Films, with contributions from Bankers Life and Casualty Company.  Airing February 28 at 9:00 PM (Eastern) on Indianapolis' WFYI-TV, the film highlights Brown's amazing story, from an exceptional high school player in Brooklyn, NY, to the scandal that unjustly sidelined Brown for what could have been the top years of his career, to becoming the first player drafted by the Indiana Pacers, leading them to three ABA titles.  Brown died in 1997 at age 54 from liver cancer.

"We're honored to be part of the team that could not let Roger's incredible life and career stay under the radar," said Scott Perry, President of Bankers Life, the national health and life insurer.  "Ted's vision for telling a compelling and noteworthy story was realized and finally gives Roger the full recognition he deserves."

The 70-minute documentary includes interviews with some of the game's greatest players, including Reggie Miller, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Julius Erving and Mel Daniels, as well as remarks by Bill Cosby, Bob Costas, Slick Leonard, Larry Brown and Donnie Walsh.

"Really, Roger's story is less about basketball than heart -- the heart he showed in coming back from one hardship after another," said Green.  "I've been privileged to tell it, and humbled by how many people around the nation -- and especially in Indianapolis -- have joined the cause."

Fans at the February 26 game will see a highlights clip of the documentary at halftime and will receive a commemorative Roger Brown poster at the end of the game.  After its premiere, WFYI will be re-broadcasting the documentary throughout the next several months with potential plans for additional distribution through DVDs and video-on-demand.

About Bankers Life and Casualty Company
Established in 1879 in Chicago, Bankers Life and Casualty Company focuses on the insurance needs of the retirement market. The nationwide company, a subsidiary of CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO), offers a broad portfolio of health and life insurance and annuities designed especially for retirees. To learn more, visit Bankers online at www.bankers.com.

SOURCE Bankers Life and Casualty Company
CONTACT: Barbara Ciesemier, (312) 396-7461, Barbara.Ciesemier@CNOinc.com