Sports · Basketball · 2 hrs ago
Trump criticises LeBron James over warm-ups during US national anthem
Donald Trump criticised LeBron James after the basketball star appeared to keep warming up during the US national anthem.
The moment happened before Philadelphia’s season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
James appeared to practise a golf swing and take a shot while most teammates stood still.
Trump called James a “total disgrace” and said he should apologise to military personnel and others who died for the country.
The criticism adds to years of public tension between Trump and James, who have previously criticised each other.
James had not publicly responded by Thursday afternoon.
Coach Nick Nurse said the team would focus on basketball and tune out outside distractions ahead of its game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
US President Donald Trump criticised LeBron James over the basketball star’s movements during the national anthem before Philadelphia’s season opener.
Trump called James a “TOTAL DISGRACE” and said he should apologise to US service members and others who died for the country.
James appeared to practise a golf swing and a jump shot while the anthem played at Madison Square Garden in New York.
James had not publicly responded to Trump’s criticism as of Thursday afternoon.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump criticised NBA player LeBron James.
- What
- Trump accused James of disrespecting the United States during the national anthem and called for him to apologise.
- When
- Before Philadelphia’s season opener on Tuesday; Trump posted his criticism on Thursday.
- Where
- Madison Square Garden in New York.
- Why
- Trump said James’s movements during the anthem were disrespectful to the country.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
James appeared to practise a golf swing and a jump shot during the national anthem before Philadelphia’s season opener against the New York Knicks.
Trump shared a video of James and criticised his conduct in a social media post.
James had not made a public comment or social media post about Trump’s criticism.
Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse said the team would focus on practice, film review and the game.
- Venue
- Madison Square Garden, New York
- Teams
- Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks
- Trump’s description
- TOTAL DISGRACE
- Trump’s demand
- James should apologise to American warriors and heroes who died for the flag and the country
- James’s response
- No public comment or social media post as of Thursday afternoon
4 sources
What people are saying
I said right from the beginning that he's no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE
LeBron James should apologise to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!
I think that goes right in with other outside noise we've already had
Posts on X
Donald Trump calls out LeBron James