Trump Criticizes LeBron James Over Warmup Movements During National Anthem at 76ers Game
Photo: Washington TimesPresident Donald Trump said Thursday in a Truth Social post that Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James disrespected the country during the national anthem before the team's season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. A video Trump shared shows James standing in line with teammates while swinging his arms in a warm-up stretch and making shooting motions. Trump called him a total disgrace and said James should apologize to those who died for the flag. A 76ers representative did not immediately respond to Al Jazeera's request for comment. Trump has long criticized athletes over anthem behavior, including after Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protest, and in 2018 he canceled the Philadelphia Eagles' White House visit.
Al Jazeera leads with Trump's accusation and adds background on his past clashes with athletes and on James's activism since 2020. TMZ and the Daily Wire describe the motions as a golf swing, and TMZ uses a sports metaphor. The Daily Wire, which dates the game to Tuesday, adds criticism of James's past remarks on Brittney Griner. The Washington Times and The Washington Post stick mainly to Trump's accusation.
How the sides differ Alternative sources add Trump's history with athletes and anthem protests; right sources stress James's golf-swing motions and past remarks; left sources stress Trump's accusation of disrespect.
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The Washington Post leads with Trump's accusation that James disrespected the country by continuing his warmups during the anthem, and centers Trump's words.
Al Jazeera quotes Trump's post and describes the video, adding history of Trump's anthem disputes and James's activism; TMZ stresses the golf-swing claim in a playful tone.
The Washington Times reports Trump's accusation and the game setting. The Daily Wire focuses on James's golf-swing motions, quotes Trump at length and cites James's past comments about Brittney Griner.