President Trump Demands LeBron James 'Apologize' For National Anthem Behavior
President Donald Trump publicly criticized NBA star LeBron James for his behavior during the national anthem at a recent 76ers game. Trump demanded an apology, citing disrespect toward the country and its heroes.
Why it matters
The intersection of professional sports, national symbols, and political rhetoric remains a highly polarized topic in American public discourse.
President Donald Trump took time out of his schedule Thursday to call out NBA superstar LeBron James.
Prior to Tuesday night's season opener between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers, fans caught James practicing his golf swing and jump shot as the national anthem played at Madison Square Garden.
Even though James has done this routine in the past , he's receiving plenty of backlash this week. In fact, he was labeled a "total disgrace" by the president of the United States. Trump also demanded an apology from the four-time NBA champion.
"While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country! I said right from the beginning that he's no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "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!"
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