Grant Napear, who served as the play-by-play announcer for the Sacramento Kings for over three decades, has faced a significant legal setback following his dismissal from Bonneville International Corp. The firing stemmed from a tweet he posted in May 2020, which included the phrase 'All Lives Matter.' This decision was recently upheld by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled that the broadcasting company acted within its rights to terminate his employment.
The incident occurred shortly after the death of George Floyd, a pivotal moment that sparked widespread protests and discussions surrounding racial justice and police brutality. Napear, who was off work at the time, responded to a tweet from DeMarcus Cousins, a former Kings player, who inquired about Napear's views on the Black Lives Matter movement. Napear's tweet, which stated, 'ALL LIVES MATTER … EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!,' was met with backlash, as the phrase is often used by critics of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Following the tweet, Bonneville International suspended Napear the next day and subsequently terminated his contract. Napear's legal challenge claimed that his firing was unjust and constituted punishment for private speech that was unrelated to his professional duties. However, the court found that Napear's role as a public figure and the nature of his tweet were directly tied to his responsibilities as a broadcaster, thereby justifying the company's actions.
The court's ruling emphasized that Napear's contract required him to uphold a 'high standard of care and level of responsibility' on social media, as his public statements could impact the company's reputation. The judges noted that California law does not restrict employers from regulating employees' political expressions that could affect the public image of the company.
Napear's legal team, led by attorney Matthew Ruggles, expressed disappointment with the ruling and indicated plans to seek a rehearing by the full appeals court or potentially escalate the case to the Supreme Court. Ruggles contended that Napear's tweet was a personal expression and should not have been classified as an official act related to his employment.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between personal expression and professional responsibilities, particularly in the realm of social media. Napear is not alone in facing repercussions for social media activity; other public figures, including sports broadcasters, have similarly encountered job losses due to controversial online statements. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how employers handle employee speech in the digital age.
As Napear transitions back into broadcasting, having recently taken a position as a daily host on Fox Sports Radio in Sacramento, the implications of this ruling will likely resonate within the sports community and beyond. The intersection of sports, politics, and social media continues to evolve, raising important questions about free speech and professional conduct in the public eye.
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