Trump calls LeBron James a disgrace over anthem golf swings

President Donald Trump labeled LeBron James a "total disgrace" after the basketball player was seen taking practice swings during the national anthem at his debut with the Philadelphia 76ers. The incident occurred during Tuesday's game against the defending NBA champions, where James, wearing his new team gear, performed golf swings while the rest of the team stood for the anthem. In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump accused James of disrespecting the country and stated that he had said from the beginning that the player was no good. The president demanded that James apologize to American warriors and heroes who died for the flag, as well as to what the country stands for.

This is not the first instance of James engaging in this behavior during the anthem. Last year, while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, he performed a similar golf swing routine on Christmas Day. Trump's comments continue a pattern of public criticism directed at James, including remarks made earlier this year regarding a debate over Michael Jordan. In those comments, Trump identified Jordan as a friend with whom he plays golf and described him as a good guy. Conversely, Trump suggested that James might be a racist or simply does not like him, concluding that he only likes people who like him and stating that he prefers Jordan in the comparison.