LeBron James practiced a golf swing during the playing of the United States national anthem before his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, an act that President Donald Trump later called a "TOTAL DISGRACE" on social media. The controversy centers on how ESPN.com framed the incident in a Thursday headline, which stated that Trump criticized James for "not standing still" during the anthem. Critics argue this characterization is excessively charitable, as James was actively swinging a club rather than merely shifting his feet or adjusting his uniform.
The specific language used by ESPN suggests the network viewed James' behavior as innocuous while implying Trump's criticism was excessive. By sanitizing the conduct into a failure to stand still, the headline framing minimizes the central action of the controversy. James did not offer an explanation for his actions, nor did he claim the behavior was a form of protest, a distinction often made by athletes who kneel during the anthem.
This was not the first instance of James practicing his golf swing during the national anthem. He was also caught doing so on Christmas Day last year. The story notes a perceived contradiction in James' conduct, referencing his previous criticism of NBA executive Daryl Morey for supporting Hong Kong protesters. The article argues that James' actions during the U.S. national anthem stand in contrast to that earlier stance.
As James turns 42 in December, questions have been raised about his continued impact on the NBA brand. Through his first two games this season with the 76ers, he has averaged 15 points per game. While the source describes him as a shell of his former self due to his age, it acknowledges that his basketball legacy remains secure as one of the greatest players in NBA history. The piece concludes by characterizing James as a net negative for the league due to his declining play and what it describes as consistently anti-American messaging.