US President Donald Trump has criticized NBA star LeBron James for allegedly disrespecting the United States after the basketball player continued stretching and making shooting movements during the national anthem before a game.
Trump shared a video of James during the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday and called him a “TOTAL DISGRACE” in a post on Truth Social.
He also demanded that James apologize to American military personnel and others who died serving the country.
The 41-year-old James dismissed the controversy, describing it as a “slow news day” after the 76ers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 on Thursday.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse also played down the incident, saying his priority was keeping the team focused on training, reviewing match footage, and preparing for games.
Trump and James have a history of public disagreements. During his first presidential term, Trump also criticized athletes, including former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality.
