Grant Napear, dismissed for his ‘All Lives Matter’ tweet, has found new employment

Grant Napia Returns to Sacramento Radio After Five Years

After being let go by his radio station and stepping down as an announcer for the Kings, Grant Napia is back on the airwaves in Sacramento. He announced on Wednesday that he’ll host weekday afternoons at Fox Sports starting September 2nd, marking his return to what he describes as his hometown for over 30 years.

“I’m competitive. I’m not just coming back to Sacramento; I’m coming back to winning,” Napia stated during her YouTube show. “I want to put Fox Sports Sacramento on the map. I’m desperate to make this happen. It was a blank period in my life. There’s nothing quite like the Sacramento community.”

Napia, who attended Siset High School in Long Island, previously spoke out on social issues, notably commenting on the Black Lives Matter movement in June 2020, which sparked significant controversy. Shortly thereafter, he stepped down as the Kings’ lead television announcer, a position he had held since 1988.

The conversation around his comments came at a critical time following George Floyd’s protests, creating waves in both the Sacramento community and the broader sports world. Some, like fellow radio host Chris Russo, criticized him for his timing.

Bonneville International, the company overseeing KHTK, remarked on the insensitivity of Napia’s statements. He eventually shared with the Sacramento Bee that he realized he wasn’t as informed about BLM as he initially thought. He claimed he didn’t intend to undermine the movement when he said, “Every life is important.”

Reflecting on his earlier comments, Napia expressed little regret. “I was swept up in politically charged times,” he remarked. “I understand the repercussions, but I stand by what I believe. I was raised to think that ‘every life matters,’ and I’m not ashamed of that.”

After announcing his return, Napia said he received overwhelming support, noting a flood of congratulatory messages. Despite criticisms he has faced throughout his career, including clashes with fans and players, he seems unfazed. “There are people in the industry who don’t like everyone, including big names,” he mentioned. “I don’t concern myself with that.”

As he prepares for his new role, Napia acknowledged the growth he’s experienced during his time away from broadcasting. “I listened, learned, and I grew,” he stated in a press release.

Having hosted various YouTube programs and podcasts in the interim, Napia is excited about his new position. “I can’t wait for September 2nd,” he said. “If you had asked me a year ago if this would happen, I would’ve doubted it.”

He indicated that his upcoming show will resemble the one he hosted before his departure, involving calls, guest appearances, and his personal insights on the Kings, the NFL, and whatever topics listeners bring up.