U.S. president demanded an apology from Philadelphia 76ers star over his U.S. national anthem antics at NBA game
See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
- Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
- Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
- Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
- Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
- Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
- Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
After being accused of disrespecting the U.S. national anthem, LeBron James couldn’t resist taking a slight shot at President Donald Trump.
James went viral earlier this week when he was spotted appearing to practice his golf swing and shoot imaginary free throws while The Star-Spangled Banner was performed ahead of his team’s season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The Philadelphia 76ers star’s actions sparked outrage from Trump, who called James a “disgrace” and demanded an apology from the greatest NBA player of his generation.
Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country! I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” the president wrote in a post on Truth Social. “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!”
Trump doubled down on his criticism of James, a longtime target of his, during a rally in Iowa on Thursday night.
“During the national anthem, he’s practising his golf swing … what the hell is that?” Trump said as the crowd began to boo. “It’s a big scandal … what it’s all about? I don’t understand it.”
President Trump criticized NBA star LeBron James during a rally in Iowa on Thursday, accusing him of disrespecting the national anthem by making warmup movements while it played before a recent basketball game.— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 23, 2026Trump also shared a clip of the moment on Truth Social, calling on… pic.twitter.com/1DXLS8UXQx
How did LeBron James respond?
The comments and criticism apparently haven’t bothered the NBA icon.
James, who is playing his first season with the Sixers, was asked about Trump’s statements after his team’s thrilling comeback win Thursday night.
“It must be a slow news day at the office, you know,” James said with a smile.
The 41-year-old had another reason to smile in the locker room, too.
In his first home game as a 76er, James helped his new team overcome one of his former franchises, the Cleveland Cavaliers, in stunning fashion.
Philly rallied from a 29-point deficit to win 114-106.
James had 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists as Philadelphia improved to 2-0 on the season.
Prior to Thursday’s game, James was notably more subdued as TheStar-Spangled Banner was performed at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Join the Conversation
This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.