The Grant Napear Show - November 18, 2014 - Ryan Anderson Interview
During pregame warmups at Sleep Train Arena, El Dorado Hills native and forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, Ryan Anderson, joined the Grant Napear Show to speak about the recent challenges he has faced both on and off the court. Anderson underwent neck surgery this past March, ending his season early and requiring extensive offseason rehab. But the difficulty of recovering from the frightening neck injury paled in comparison to the emotional struggle overcome by Anderson just one year earlier. A recent Sports Illustrated article written by Chris Ballard publicized the emotional turmoil withstood by Anderson after he lost his girlfriend, Gia Allemand, to suicide last year. On the Grant Napear Show, Ryan spoke about the role he has taken on as it relates to his willingness to speak up about suicide and depression, embracing his position as a public figure with the power to raise awareness about suicide and about coping with losing loved ones to the tragedy. Ryan Anderson referred to his calling to this cause as "bigger than basketball."