Trump Rebukes LeBron James Over Anthem Warm-Up
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago1 MIN
Summary
US President Donald Trump on Friday publicly attacked NBA star LeBron James after posting a video that appeared to show James continuing warm-up movements during the US national anthem before a regular-season opener. Trump said the conduct was disrespectful to the country and called on James to apologize to American service members and heroes.
Key Points
- Trump posted the clip on his social platform Truth Social, accusing James of disrespecting the United States during the national anthem.
- CRHK said the footage was from Tuesday's NBA regular-season opening game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks.
- In the video, James appeared to swing his arms, mimic a golf swing and make a shooting motion while players stood in a line.
- Trump wrote that James should apologize to the great American warriors and heroes who sacrificed for the US flag and the country.
- James, 41, is in his 24th NBA season, a league record he already held, and the 76ers are his fourth NBA team.
Why It Matters
The episode adds another political flashpoint to the long-running US debate over athlete conduct during the national anthem, a subject Trump has repeatedly targeted in the past. For Hong Kong readers following the NBA, the story shows how pre-game gestures in American sports can quickly become national political controversies.