Trump reignites feud with LeBron James over national anthem controversy

International

WHAT appeared to be a routine pregame moment has become the latest flashpoint in the public feud between US President Donald Trump and basketball star LeBron James.

Trump accused the player of disrespecting the country over his movements during the national anthem.

James, who now plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, appeared to make a golf-swing motion and practise basketball shots as the Star-Spangled Banner was performed at New York’s Madison Square Garden ahead of Wednesday’s season-opening game against the New York Knicks.

Trump criticized James on social media, demanding that he apologise to American service members who died for the country.

“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!” Trump posted.

The president subsequently called James a “TOTAL DISGRACE” and reiterated his demand for an apology, saying the player’s actions showed disrespect to military personnel and what the US flag represents.

Video of the incident shows James making a golf-swing motion while a performer sings the anthem. His teammates, lined up beside him on the court, appear to remain largely still during the performance.

The national anthem is traditionally performed before most professional sporting events in the United States. Players and spectators are generally expected to stand, where possible, and refrain from moving around. The tradition has also become a focal point for political debate.

In 2016, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began sitting during the anthem before later kneeling to protest police brutality and racial injustice.

Trump criticised the demonstrations and later took credit for Kaepernick’s inability to secure another NFL contract. Years later, he said the former player should be given another opportunity in the league.

Trump and James have repeatedly criticised each other publicly. In 2018, Trump questioned James’s intelligence after the basketball star said he would never sit across from the president. James also accused Trump of giving racists greater freedom to express their views openly.

James has further suggested that Trump’s rhetoric contributed to the January 2021 attack on the US Capitol, when a mob sought to stop certification of the 2020 election results. James had endorsed Joe Biden, who won the election.

In July, Trump was asked to choose between James and Michael Jordan as basketball’s greatest player. He picked Jordan, saying, “I only like people that like me.”

James, 41, is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, with more than 40,000 points. He signed a two-year contract with Philadelphia in July, a deal widely expected to be his last as a professional player.(MyTVCebu)