President Donald Trump criticized Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James on Thursday, Oct. 22, over actions James took during the national anthem before his debut with the team. Trump’s comments came two days after James appeared to practice a golf swing and a jump shot while the anthem played ahead of the 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Trump posted his criticism on social media after video of James’s gestures during the anthem circulated online, according to ESPN.
What Trump Said
Trump did not hold back in his post. “I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” Trump wrote. “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!”
The president’s demand for an apology followed the same pattern he has used before when criticizing athletes over anthem conduct, including his past comments about Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the anthem, according to the New York Post.
What Happened During The Anthem
The moment Trump referenced took place Tuesday, Oct. 20, before the 76ers’ season opener at Madison Square Garden. James, 41, was playing his first game for Philadelphia in what is his 24th NBA season. The anthem was performed by Avery Wilson. James was lined up alongside teammates who mostly stood still, while he appeared to go through the motions of a golf swing and a jump shot, according to the BBC.
The 76ers went on to beat the Knicks 106-100 in that opener.
James And The 76ers Have Not Responded
Neither James nor the 76ers have publicly addressed Trump’s comments. Representatives for James did not respond to requests for comment from ESPN regarding the criticism.
That silence leaves Trump’s statement as the only public comment on the matter so far. There is no indication from the sources of any planned response from James, his representatives or the team.
Background On Trump’s Anthem Criticism
Trump has a long history of weighing in on athletes’ conduct during the national anthem. His past targets have included Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback whose kneeling protests during the anthem drew repeated criticism from Trump during his presidency. The James comments fit that same pattern of the president singling out high-profile athletes over anthem behavior.
What’s Next
The 76ers continue their season following the Oct. 20 win over the Knicks. No further statements from James, the team or the White House had been reported as of Thursday evening.
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