ABDUL-JABBAR STANDS BY HIS DECISION TO TAP THE ROCKIES

          Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said he is "mystified" by criticism
     of his appearing in a Coors beer commercial, according to
     Julie Cart of the L.A. TIMES.  Abdul-Jabbar was criticized
     by the Islamic Society of North America for appearing in an
     ad that promotes alcohol.  Abdul-Jabbar: "I played for the
     Milwaukee Bucks for six years, 'Brew Town,' and Miller
     Brewing sponsored our radio broadcasts.  They did promotions
     using my picture.  I had no control over it.  I didn't have
     any problem with it.  They didn't require me to say that I
     drank beer. ... It's been like this for my whole
     professional career.  Why now, at this point, do I get this
     static?"    Abdul-Jabbar said that he was "careful" in
     choosing the content of the commercial and "insisted" he
     never held a bottle of beer.  Abdul-Jabbar, on the ad: "We
     made sure they understood that I do not drink.  Coors knew
     that I have taken a public posture of not drinking. I think
     it was tastefully done" (L.A. TIMES, 1/23).