Trump says NBA star LeBron James disrespected US anthem and demands apology

US President Donald Trump has accused basketball star LeBron James of disrespecting the national anthem by not standing still during its performance. The incident occurred before the Philadelphia 76ers' season-opening match against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Trump took to social media to express his displeasure, stating, "While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!"

He called on James to apologize to the "Great American Warriors and Heroes" who sacrificed their lives for the American flag. Trump dismissed James' response to his comments and reiterated that their previous interactions have been marked by criticism. In a recent video, James can be seen mimicking a golf swing while the Star-Spangled Banner is played, while his teammates mostly maintain their positions with minimal movement.

Trump previously labeled James as a "TOTAL DISGRACE" and suggested he might be "a racist" in July, when asked to rank the greatest basketball players of all time, preferring Michael Jordan over James.