Donald Trump branded NBA star LeBron James a “total disgrace” following pre-game warm-ups during the national anthem ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks, drawing a dismissive response from James who dismissed the criticism as the product of a slow news day.
US Donald Trump targeted LeBron James on his social media platform Truth Social after video footage showed the 41-year-old basketball player performing pre-game routines while the national anthem played prior to Tuesday’s opening game. The video captures James appearing to practice golf swing motions and executing throwing movements on the court while teammates stood in a line. Trump asserted that James showed disrespect to the country and demanded an apology for American military personnel and symbols.
President Trump said NBA star LeBron James should apologize for warming up during the national anthem ahead of Tuesday night's matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks.Trump posted a viral video on Truth Social Thursday showing James practicing free throws and… pic.twitter.com/psMC48iS7Y
“LeBron James should apologize to all the great American warriors and heroes who died for the American flag, and for everything our country stands for!” Trump wrote, later referring to the incident as “a kind of big scandal” during a Thursday campaign event.
LeBron James and Nick Nurse Respond to the Controversy
Responding to the criticism, James brushed off the remarks. “It must be a slow news day at the office,” James said. The verbal clash marks the latest in a series of public disagreements between the political figure and the basketball star.
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse defended his player against the escalating public debate. Nurse emphasized that the team remains focused entirely on athletic preparation rather than external disputes. “All I care about is what happens on the training court, in the video room, and on the playing field,” Nurse stated, dismissing the backlash as outside noise.
Context of Past Clashes and Anthem Protests in Sports
The dispute builds on a history of public friction between Trump and American athletes regarding anthem protocols. Trump has repeatedly criticized professional sports figures who do not maintain traditional postures during pre-game ceremonies.
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Donald Trump accuses a "TOTAL DISGRACE" LeBron James of disrespecting the National Anthem and demands an apology from him. 🏀🧐During the Philadelphia 76ers' debut of @KingJames against the New York Knicks on October 20 at Madison Square Garden, he was apparently…
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