President Donald Trump demanded an apology from NBA star LeBron James after video showed the Philadelphia 76ers forward practicing golf and basketball movements while the national anthem played before a game against the New York Knicks.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump sharply criticized NBA superstar LeBron James on Thursday, Oct. 22, accusing the Philadelphia 76ers forward of disrespecting the United States after a video circulated showing him practicing athletic movements during the national anthem before his team’s season opener.
Trump shared footage of James appearing to practice a golf swing, stretch his arms and simulate a basketball shot while standing alongside teammates during the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday.
“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!” the president added.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, showed the 41-year-old basketball star moving his arms and practicing what appeared to be golf and basketball shooting motions while most of his Philadelphia teammates stood still.
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James did not kneel or leave the court during the anthem. Instead, he remained in the team’s lineup while continuing the movements.
According to The Associated Press, James had not publicly addressed Trump’s criticism as of Thursday afternoon.
The 76ers also had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
The incident occurred Tuesday, Oct. 20, before Philadelphia’s 2026-27 NBA season opener against the New York Knicks, marking James’ first regular-season appearance with the 76ers after joining the organization during the offseason.
Philadelphia defeated New York 106-100, with James contributing 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his debut.
The confrontation represents another chapter in a long-running public dispute between Trump and James over politics, patriotism and the responsibilities of professional athletes.
Trump has repeatedly criticized athletes who kneel or engage in other forms of protest during the national anthem, arguing that such demonstrations disrespect the American flag and military service members.
During his first administration, Trump condemned NFL players who knelt during the anthem to protest racial injustice and police misconduct.
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick became a central figure in that controversy after beginning his protests in 2016.
The demonstrations subsequently spread to other NFL teams and professional sports leagues, prompting disagreements among athletes, team owners, political leaders and fans.
Trump also canceled a planned White House visit by the Philadelphia Eagles following their 2018 Super Bowl victory amid disagreements involving anthem protests.
James has frequently challenged Trump’s political statements and policies, particularly those involving race, social justice and professional athletes.
During the 2020 protests following the death of George Floyd, James publicly supported the Black Lives Matter movement and encouraged other athletes to speak out about racial inequality.
The basketball star has also supported Democratic political candidates and participated in voter registration initiatives.
In Thursday’s dispute, however, the video did not establish whether James intended his movements as a political demonstration or was simply continuing a pregame warmup routine.
The Reuters account of the controversy described James as performing warmup-style movements while standing with his teammates.
The episode comes during a significant transition in James’ basketball career. The four-time NBA champion and league’s all-time leading scorer is beginning his record 24th NBA season after signing with Philadelphia in July.
James previously spent eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning the 2020 NBA championship, after earlier championship runs with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers.
He is scheduled to make his Philadelphia home debut Thursday against Cleveland, the franchise where he began his professional career in 2003.
Trump’s demand for an apology places renewed attention on the relationship between professional sports and national symbols, a subject that has repeatedly generated controversy during his political career.
For now, James has not publicly responded to the president’s criticism or explained his actions during Tuesday’s anthem performance.
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