LeBron James is facing a fresh wave of criticism after appearing to practice a golf swing and a free throw motion while the national anthem played before a Philadelphia 76ers game. Apparently, the anthem was the perfect time for a little personal warmup, at least in James’s view.
James, a Philadelphia 76ers forward, led his new team to a 106-100 victory over the defending NBA champion New York Knicks on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. It was the first game of the season for both teams, and James scored 14 points. That respectable number was quickly pushed aside by what happened before the opening tip.
Instead of standing, facing the flag, and placing his hand over his heart, James apparently used the anthem as an opportunity to work on his golf swing and free throw motion. The act was caught on tape, turning a routine pregame moment into another controversy involving one of the NBA’s biggest stars. Standing respectfully for the national anthem is not an unreasonable request, but apparently celebrity athletes sometimes treat basic rules of decency as optional.
Clay Travis highlighted the incident in a post, writing: “LeBron decided to practice his golf swing during the national anthem last night. I can’t wait until he retires, he’s been toxic for the entire NBA.”
President Trump responded on Truth Social Thursday, condemning James’s conduct and calling for an apology. President Trump wrote: “While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!” He added: “I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE.”
President Trump continued: “LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!” It was a blunt response, but the issue itself is not complicated. The national anthem represents the country and the people who sacrificed for it. Turning that moment into a casual practice session sends a remarkably poor message, especially from an athlete with a massive public platform.
There is already plenty of bad blood between James and President Trump. James has repeatedly criticized President Trump, including calling him a “bum” and accusing him of trying to create a racial divide in America. James also endorsed every Democratic presidential nominee who ran against President Trump, including Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris.
The NBA has traveled a long way from the days of Michael Jordan, and this episode adds to the argument that the league’s culture has changed for the worse. A box score can record points, rebounds, and wins, but it cannot erase conduct that many Americans see as disrespectful. James may have helped the 76ers win their opener, but his pregame behavior is what ended up dominating the conversation.
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