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US President Donald Trump took aim at NBA star LeBron James on Thursday, condemning the basketball player for conduct he deemed disrespectful while the national anthem was played at a recent game.
“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social alongside a video depicting James moving during the anthem. “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!”
In the footage posted by Trump, James is seen lined up alongside Philadelphia 76ers players, stretching his arms in a pre-game routine and mimicking basketball shots.
Trump’s attack on James comes after the NBA legend made his competitive debut for the 76ers Tuesday night, leading his new team to a 106-100 win over defending champions the New York Knicks.
James, 41, opted to extend his hall-of-fame career in the off-season by signing a deal with Philly and scored 14 points in 34 minutes on court Tuesday.
Tyrese Maxey topped the scoring with 28 points while Jalen Brunson posted 21 for the Knicks.
Speaking to NBC after the game, James said: “I could be a lot better. Still getting my rhythm, obviously just a little bit over two weeks with the new squad.
“But I like the way we played. I think we played exceptionally well.”
This is not the first time that Trump has slammed sports stars for their behavior during the national anthem.
During his first term as president in 2017, Trump hit out at NFL players involved in the ‘Take a Knee’ protests, insisting it was “very important” that they stood for the anthem.
Prior to a game in October 2017, Trump posted on Twitter: “Very important that NFL players STAND tomorrow, and always, for the playing of our National Anthem. Respect our Flag and our Country!” before adding video of the Chicago Blackhawks and the St Louis Blues with the caption: “19,000 RESPECTING our National Anthem! #StandForOurAnthem.”
Just days earlier, Trump had also written on social media: “The NFL has all sorts of rules and regulations. The only way out for them is to set a rule that you can’t kneel during our National Anthem!”
