Kings announcer resigns for tweet

Sacramento Kings announcer Grant Napear, known for his catchphrase "If you don't like that, then you don't like NBA basketball," resigned on Tuesday.

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June 3, 2020 - 10:21 AM

DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, Calif. Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/TNS

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Longtime Sacramento Kings TV broadcaster Grant Napear resigned Tuesday after he tweeted “ALL LIVES MATTER” when asked by DeMarcus Cousins for his opinion on the Black Lives Matter movement.

The 60-year-old Napear also was fired by KTHK Sports 1140 in Sacramento. 

Cousins was drafted by Sacramento and played for the Kings for six-plus seasons before he was traded to New Orleans in February 2017.

Cousins, who has been criticized by Napear in the past, tweeted at the broadcaster on Sunday night: “ what’s your take on BLM? ”

Napear responded: “Hey!!!! How are you? Thought you forgot about me. Haven’t heard from you in years. ALL LIVES MATTER…EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!”

Cousins posted that Napear’s response was expected.

In response to criticism from another Twitter user, Napear said he apologized if his comment came across as “dumb.”

“I’ve been doing more listening than talking the past few days,” Napear posted. “I believe the past few days will change this country for the better!”

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