Donald Trump Blasts LeBron James For Practising Golf Swing Throughout Nationwide Anthem: ‘Whole Shame’

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Donald Trump has by no means been a fan of LeBron James.

So it is smart that the president is seizing on LeBron’s newest mini-scandal as a possibility to dunk on the basketball legend.

On Thursday, Trump took to Reality Social to blast the Philadelphia 76ers star after footage appeared to point out LeBron working towards his golf swing throughout the nationwide anthem forward of the staff’s season opener towards the New York Knicks.

“Whereas listening to our Nationwide Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Nation! I mentioned proper from the start that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” Trump wrote.

“LeBron James ought to apologize to all of these Nice American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Nation stands for!”

The controversy started Tuesday, when James made his debut with the 76ers at Madison Sq. Backyard. Whereas his teammates largely stood nonetheless throughout the efficiency of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” James appeared to follow a golf swing earlier than mimicking a basketball shot.

Apparently, the president wasn’t impressed with King James’ pregame routine.

And contemplating the lengthy historical past of pressure between these two, it’s hardly stunning that James has as soon as once more landed on Trump’s radar.

This isn’t the primary time the president has criticized the basketball legend. Earlier this 12 months, Trump weighed in on the longstanding debate over whether or not James or Michael Jordan deserves the title of the best basketball participant of all time.

Trump made his choice abundantly clear, citing his friendship with Jordan earlier than taking one other swipe at James.

“Michael Jordan is a man that’s a good friend of mine, play golf with him. He’s a extremely good man,” Trump mentioned. “And I feel LeBron is, possibly he’s a racist, however possibly he doesn’t like Trump, I don’t know. However I solely like people who like me. So, I’d say Michael Jordan all the way in which.”

James has additionally clashed with Trump over politics and the position skilled athletes ought to play in social points. In 2018, after Fox Information host Laura Ingraham criticized him for talking about political issues, James famously rejected the suggestion that athletes ought to merely stick with sports activities.

“We will certainly not shut up and dribble,” James declared on the time.

The basketball star has continued to make use of his platform to advocate for social causes, together with racial equality and voter participation.

As for the newest controversy, James had not publicly responded to Trump’s criticism as of Thursday afternoon.

The timing is especially notable, as James is getting ready to make his dwelling debut with Philadelphia towards the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 41-year-old is taking part in in a report twenty fourth NBA season after starting a brand new chapter with the 76ers.

James helped Philadelphia defeat the Knicks 106-100 in his debut, ending with 14 factors, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.

So, whereas the basketball legend has loads to rejoice on the court docket, his newest pregame routine has sparked one other spherical of political drama. Whether or not he decides to answer the president’s demand for an apology stays to be seen.