Trump Says LeBron James 'Disrespected' US Anthem, Demands Apology

LeBron James in Philadelphia 76ers kit

US President Donald Trump accused NBA superstar LeBron James of disrespecting the United States during the national anthem on Thursday, demanding the league's all-time scoring leader apologise to military veterans. In a Truth Social post accompanied by a video, Trump wrote: "While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country." He added that James should apologise to "all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag."

The clip Trump shared showed James standing in line with his Philadelphia 76ers teammates, swinging his arms in a warmup-type stretch and performing basketball shooting movements while the anthem played. The president interpreted the movements as disrespectful. A representative for the 76ers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The attack revives one of Trump's longest-running sports feuds. He has repeatedly criticised athletes over their conduct during pre-game renditions of the anthem, beginning with NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protests in support of racial justice. In 2018, Trump cancelled a planned White House visit by the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles after players objected to his demand that they stand for the anthem.

James became a leading voice in the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 and has frequently supported progressive causes throughout his career. The latest broadside adds fresh fuel to the running feud between the president and the 76ers star.

Source: read more (Reuters via Sowetan)

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