Longtime Kings announcer Napear resigns after 'all lives matter' tweet

The Sacramento Kings announced the resignation of longtime play-by-play announcer Grant Napear on Tuesday, according to The Athletic's Jason Jones.

“I want to thank the fans for their overwhelming love and support," a statement from Napear read, according to Jones. "I will always remain a part of Kings nation in my heart.”

Additionally, radio station Sports 1140 KHTK announced it's parted ways with Napear after reviewing his recent comments about the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Kings placed the 60-year-old on administrative leave Monday following a string of tweets Sunday night, partially in exchange with former Kings All-Star DeMarcus Cousins.

When Cousins asked Napear for his thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement, Napear responded in part by writing "all lives matter."

The phrase "all lives matter" has been critiqued and described as a way of removing the "focus from the specific grievances of black Americans," The New York Times' Daniel Victor wrote in 2016.

In a series of follow-up tweets, Napear attempted to explain his position.

"If it came across as dumb I apologize. That was not my intent," he tweeted to a user who brought up the connotations of the phrase. "That's how I was raised. It has been ingrained in me since I can remember. I've been doing more listening than talking the past few days. I believe the past few days will change this country for the better!"

Napear had served as the team's television play-by-play announcer since 1988.