President Donald Trump criticized Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James on Thursday after video footage appeared to show the basketball star stretching during the national anthem before his team debut against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.
President Demands Apology From NBA Star
Trump posted the video on social media with overlaid text claiming James was working on his golf swing during the anthem. The President wrote that James disrespects the country and called him a total disgrace. Trump demanded James apologize to American warriors and heroes who died for the flag and everything the nation represents. The video actually shows James performing arm stretches before transitioning to basketball shooting motions.
This marks the latest chapter in a years-long feud between the President and the four-time NBA champion. During his first administration, Trump attacked James’s intelligence after a CNN interview. More recently in July, Trump speculated that James might be racist after the basketball star signed with the 76ers, adding that he only likes people who like him and would choose Michael Jordan over James.
History Of Public Disagreements
James has previously criticized Trump’s leadership publicly. In 2017, after Trump rescinded a White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors, James told reporters the President fails to understand how children of all races look to the nation’s leader for guidance and encouragement. James added that Trump’s actions made him sick and declared that no single person would dictate how beautiful and powerful America remains.
Representatives for James did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday. The NBA star has not issued any public statement regarding Trump’s latest social media attacks. James scored 14 points in the 76ers’ 106-100 victory over the defending NBA champion Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.
What Comes Next
James was scheduled to make his home debut for Philadelphia on Thursday night against his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The controversy surrounding the national anthem incident adds another layer to ongoing debates about athlete conduct during patriotic ceremonies. Trump maintains a consistent pattern of publicly challenging professional athletes who he perceives as disrespecting American symbols or traditions. The President’s social media post reignited discussions about appropriate behavior during the national anthem at sporting events.