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After a controversial departure in June, former Sacramento Kings play-by-play man Grant Napear is getting back into the media world by launching his own podcast titled If You Don’t Like That.
Napear released his first episode and touched on cancel culture, how he felt about about being let go and more (h/t Barrettsportsmedia.com):
“The one thing that has bothered me more than anything over the last three months is that I did not get a chance to speak to all of the fans, all of the people of Northern California, and those that have picked up on my career through hosting as a fill-in on ‘The Jim Rome Show’. And to those people who have been waiting for me to speak, I’m going to speak now and you’re going to hear what I have to say.
Now I’ve always said this. I said if you start bringing politics and social issues into sports, you’re going to lose a lot of fans. You’re going to lose a lot of fans. And there is no question in my mind the ratings have reflected that with the NBA. We saw the opening weekend of the National Football League. Fans are saying they don’t want it anymore.”
Napear was let go by KHTK and resigned as the Kings main announcer after he received backlash for his response to former Sacramento big man DeMarcus Cousins regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.
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
Kings legend Chris Webber also voiced his displeasure with Napear after the tweet.
Demarcus we know and have known who grant is. The team knows as well. I’ve told them many times. They’ve seen it. They know who he is. https://t.co/4DI4f1DGUp
— Chris Webber (@realchriswebber) June 1, 2020
Napear became Sacramento’s play-by-play announcer in 1988 and co-hosted The Grant Napear Show with former King Doug Christie on KHTK.
It was an unceremonious end for Napear after his 32-year run as the voice of the organization. Will you be listening to Napear’s podcast?
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Harrison Barnes has been very active in the community throughout his NBA career. He was honored for his efforts by being named one of winners of the 2019-20 End of Season NBA Cares Community Assist Award. (Kings.com)