President Donald Trump has accused LeBron James of disrespecting the United States after the NBA star appeared to continue warming up during the national anthem before Philadelphia’s season opener on Tuesday. "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!" James appeared to practise a golf swing and take a jump shot as "The Star-Spangled Banner" played at New York's Madison Square Garden.
Beginning his first season with Philadelphia, he stood alongside team-mates who mostly remained still during the anthem. Trump and James have been critical of each other for years, occasionally trading public swipes. "It must be a slow news day at the office," he said after the Sixers completed an epic comeback to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106 in Philadelphia.
"Slow news day at the office." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player James stood with his arms behind his back and head bowed as Boyz II Men performed the national anthem before tip-off. He was then introduced to a rapturous ovation from the crowd of around 20,000. Sixers coach Nick Nurse had repeatedly stressed the importance of tuning out outside distractions since training camp began.
However, just hours before Philadelphia's home opener, the team found itself dealing with one from the president. "I think that goes right in with other outside noise we've already had," Nurse said before the game. "I keep saying the same thing.
All I really care about is getting to the practice floor, getting them in the film room, getting them to the game floor. The focus that they've had and the intent and all the stuff like that has been outstanding." Trump, speaking Thursday night at a campaign rally in Sioux City, Iowa, reiterated his complaint. "And what about LeBron James?
Did you see that deal?" Trump said. 'No, he's doing, during the national anthem he's practicing his golf swing. I said what the hell is that. It's a big scandal kind of a story.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
