© Kelley L Cox | 2018 Apr 11
Kings television play-by-play broadcaster Grant Napear is stepping down from his role, and has mutually parted ways with the team’s flagship radio station, 1140 KHTK, following a Twitter exchange Napear had with DeMarcus Cousins over the weekend.
Cousins asked Napear “what’s your take on (Black Lives Matter)?”
Napear responded with the following: “Hey!!!! How are you? Thought you forgot about me. Haven’t heard from you in years. ALL LIVES MATTER…EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!”
Hey!!!! How are you? Thought you forgot about me. Haven't heard from you in years. ALL LIVES MATTER…EVERY SINGLE ONE!!! https://t.co/DfzKl3w0jm
— Grant Napear (@GrantNapearshow) June 1, 2020
“All Lives Matter” is a loaded term that is often used as a rebuttal to delegitimize the Black Lives Matter movement.
The station initially placed Napear on leave, before announcing the parting of ways in a press release on Tuesday. The statement read in part:
We were saddened by the comments Grant Napear recently made on Twitter. While we appreciate Grant’s positive contributions to KHTK over the years, his recent comments about the Black Lives Matter movement do not reflect the views or values of Bonneville International Corporation. The timing of Grant’s tweet was particularly insensitive. After reviewing the matter carefully, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with Grant.
Bonneville Sacramento's (Sports 1140 KHTK) official statement on their parting ways with Grant Napear. pic.twitter.com/UOXlfRMQV0
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) June 2, 2020
Napear, who apologized on Twitter for his response following the original tweet, told Jason Jones of The Athletic: “I want to thank the fans for their overwhelming love and support. I will always remain a part of Kings nation in my heart.”
Napear also served as the TV voice of the Kings for 32 years.
