President Trump criticizes LeBron James for anthem actions - ESPN

President Donald Trump on Thursday accused LeBron James of disrespecting the United States after the 76ers star appeared to continue his warmups while the national anthem was performed before Philadelphia's season opener Tuesday against the Knicks in New York.

James appeared to practice a golf swing and jump shot during «The Star-Spangled Banner» at Madison Square Garden. James, in his debut for the 76ers, was lined up alongside teammates who mostly stood still during the anthem.

«I said right from the beginning that he's no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,» Trump said of James in a social media post sharing the video. «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!»

Representatives for James did not respond to requests for comment from ESPN. James, 41, in his record-24th NBA season, was set to make his home debut for the Sixers on Thursday night against Cleveland.

Trump himself also has been criticized for his actions during the national anthem. In 2020, the Miami Herald posted a video of Trump waving his hands as if to conduct an orchestra while the national anthem was played at a Super Bowl watch party. In the brief video clip, Trump also appeared to gesture at others as those around him stood with hand over heart while the anthem was played.

Trump and James have been critical of each other for years, occasionally trading public swipes. Among some of the more notable times James became entangled with the president or politics:

• James was with the Cavaliers in 2017 when he made a statement during an NBA game with his shoes — one black, one white, with the word «equality» in capital gold letters on the back of each. Then,