President Donald Trump on Friday accused LeBron James of disrespecting the United States after the NBA star appeared to continue his warmups while the national anthem was performed before Philadelphia’s season opener on Tuesday.
“I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” Trump said of James in a social media post sharing the video. “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!”
James appeared to practise a golf swing and jump shot as “The Star-Spangled Banner” was performed Tuesday at New York’s Madison Square Garden. James, starting his first season with Philadelphia, was lined up alongside teammates who mostly stood still during the anthem.
Trump and James have been critical of each other for years, occasionally trading public swipes.
“It must be a slow news day at the office,” James said. “Slow news day at the office.”
The 41-year-old James, in his record 24th NBA season, had 17 points and 10 rebounds in the biggest comeback win of his career, 114-106 over the Cavaliers in Philadelphia’s home opener on Thursday night. The Sixers rallied from a 29-point deficit.
James put his arms behind his back and bowed his head while Boyz II Men sang the anthem ahead of the game. James was introduced to a roaring ovation from the crowd of roughly 20,000.
Coach Nick Nurse had talked at length since training camp opened about the Sixers’ need to tune out outside distractions. Hours before their home opener, the Sixers had to deal with one from the president.
