The key facts
- Trump on Truth Social demanded that James apologize to 'American warriors and heroes'
- James was warming up during the anthem before the Philadelphia season opener against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden
- The Trump-James feud has lasted since 2016; James has not responded to the new accusations
Trump's Accusations
US President Donald Trump accused NBA star LeBron James of disrespecting the country after a video showed the Philadelphia 76ers forward continuing his warm-up during the performance of the US anthem before the season-opening game against the New York Knicks. 'While our national anthem was playing, LeBron James does not respect our country! I said from the very beginning that he is bad, a complete disgrace,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added that James should apologize 'to all of the great American warriors and heroes who died for the American flag and everything our country stands for.' Trump also posted a video in which James stretches and does swings, mimicking a golf swing and shots at a basketball hoop, while his teammates mostly stand still.
Details of the Incident
According to Anadolu, the incident took place on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden in New York, where Philadelphia won 106:100. BBC, however, indicates that the season-opening game was held on Wednesday. James, 41, joined the 76ers before this season after eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers and is playing in a record 24th NBA season. He is a four-time NBA champion. James has not yet reacted to the president's words; BBC contacted him and the club for comment. The performance of the anthem before professional games is an established tradition, and players and spectators are expected to stand and remain still.
History of the Feud
The four-time NBA champion has previously criticized Trump and spoken out on racial equality issues. According to BBC, James has publicly supported Trump's political opponents since the 2016 election. In 2018, Trump questioned James's intelligence after James said he would 'never sit at a table with him'; that same year, James accused Trump of giving racists 'an opportunity to come out and speak without fear.' James also stated that Trump's rhetoric led to the storming of the Capitol in 2021, and supported Joe Biden. In July, when asked to choose between James and Michael Jordan as the greatest player in history, Trump said: 'I only like those who like me.' Trump has previously criticized athletes for their behavior during the anthem, in particular Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protests against police violence and racism.
Image source, NBAE via Getty Images LeBron James
