Grant Napear Returns to Sacramento Radio 5 Years After Firing | Opinion

Grant Napear's Return to Sacramento Sports Radio

After a five-year absence, Grant Napear is making a comeback to Sacramento sports radio. His return marks a significant moment for local fans and the broader sports broadcasting landscape. Starting on September 2, Napear will host his own weekday show from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fox Sports Sacramento (KSAC-AM 890 and K284CM-FM 104.7). This move comes after he was previously let go by the parent company of KHTK-AM (1140), the radio home of the Sacramento Kings.

Napear has always been known for his bold and unfiltered style, which has made him both beloved and controversial among listeners. He told reporters that his new show will be exactly what longtime fans have come to expect: "It's going to be the Grant Napear show that people have listened to for decades." He emphasized his competitive nature, stating, "I'm not only coming back to Sacramento. I'm coming back to win."

For years, Napear’s afternoon show on the Kings’ flagship station dominated the Sacramento market. In addition to his radio work, he served as a TV broadcaster for the Kings for 32 years until June 2020, when his career took an unexpected turn.

The Controversial Moment That Changed Everything

The turning point in Napear’s career came in May 2020 when he engaged in a social media exchange with former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins. The conversation centered around the Black Lives Matter movement, and Napear’s response—“ALL LIVES MATTER...EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!”—quickly sparked backlash.

At the time, the country was reeling from the killing of George Floyd, which led to widespread protests against police brutality. Sacramento, like many other cities, experienced civic unrest, with downtown buildings and businesses being vandalized. Napear’s comment, which some saw as dismissive of the movement, was viewed as insensitive given the timing.

Bonneville International, the company that owns KHTK-AM, announced it had “parted company” with Napear, who also resigned from his position with the Kings. The company cited the “insensitive” nature of the tweet as the reason for the decision.

A Debate Over Fairness and Consequences

The fallout from Napear’s comments led to a broader discussion about the consequences of public figures’ statements, especially during moments of national crisis. Comedian and talk show host Bill Maher suggested that Napear’s remarks stemmed from ignorance rather than racism. “That difference is important,” Maher said. “Someone could have just explained to him why there's a deservedly special reason we single out black lives for protection.”

Many believed that Napear’s punishment was disproportionate to his mistake. He was suspended, prepared to deliver a public apology, and even underwent sensitivity training. However, he was ultimately fired and left without a job. Napear later sued Bonneville International but lost the case, though he continues to appeal the decision.

Despite the pain of the experience, Napear remains optimistic about his return to Sacramento. “I can't wait for September 2nd,” he said. “There is nothing like live radio.”

A New Chapter in Sacramento

Napear plans to do some shows from Sacramento and others remotely. After being professionally canceled, he continued to comment on the Kings through his podcast. “I left Sacramento, but Sacramento never left me,” he said. “I have a bond with the community of Sacramento. I'm gonna be opinionated. My new show is not gonna be different from what I used to do.”

His confrontational style, including labeling callers as “morons” and challenging pro athletes, is rare in today’s sports broadcasting world. Many believe that his return could bring a unique voice to the local airwaves. While the Kings’ TV broadcasts are now led by Mark Jones, there has been no one quite like Napear on Sacramento sports radio since he left.

A Love-Hate Relationship with the Community

Napear acknowledges that his approach has not always been popular. “Listen, it's been a love-hate relationship and there are plenty of people who hate me,” he said. “As long as they are listening to the show.”

Some speculate that Napear was let go in 2020 due to years of conflicts and disputes with various individuals. However, many argue that the final straw was a single tweet that occurred at a particularly sensitive time. “There were plenty of people in 2020 who had no idea that the words 'all lives matter' had a negative connotation,” one observer noted. “I'm sure there are plenty of people who don't know it now.”

Napear believes he was unfairly treated. “If he had used the N-word or doubled down after the public backlash or refused to apologize, that would be different. But he didn't use the N-word, didn't double down, and wanted to apologize. It could have been handled much differently, but wasn't.”

Now, Napear is set to join KSAC, a relatively new station in Sacramento. He will debut one year after the station switched formats. “I'm gonna put them on the map,” he said. “I want people to know that I'm not doing this because I'm desperate. I'm doing this because I want to do it.”

For Napear, this return is more than just a job—it’s a chance to reconnect with the community that shaped his career. “There is nothing like the community of Sacramento. I want to talk to Sacramento fans again. I want to win the afternoons again.”