LeBron's 'golf swing' during national anthem sparks outrage... President Trump calls it "disgraceful," NBA veteran also sighs, "He crossed the line"

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NBA legend Charles Barkley (63) strongly criticized LeBron James (41, Philadelphia 76ers) for performing a "golf swing" during the playing of the national anthem.

The UK's "The Sun" reported on the 30th (Korean time), "Barkley appeared on a radio broadcast and pointed out James' rude behavior during the national anthem."

Last week, ahead of his Philadelphia debut, James swung his arms in practice golf swings while the national anthem was being played. U.S. President Donald Trump immediately took to the social media platform "Truth Social," calling James a "complete disgrace" and demanding an official apology. Fierce criticism followed, primarily from conservative circles, arguing that James had shown a lack of respect for the national anthem.

Barkley also criticized James' actions during an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio earlier this week. While stating, "I don't care at all about what President Trump says," Barkley added, "Practicing a golf swing during the national anthem was extremely rude." He further emphasized, "I always stand up when the national anthem is played. We live in a great country where we can protest at any time, but we must be very careful before the national anthem."

However, the outlet interpreted James' actions as "light warm-up exercises." The 41-year-old veteran, entering his 24th season, was said to have stretched out of concern for his health. In fact, James has always stood and listened attentively to the national anthem throughout his career of 1,925 games. His only previous controversy was mimicking a conductor during the national anthem at a Super Bowl party in 2020. While he has actively spoken out on social issues in the past, controversies involving the national anthem have been rare.

Separate from the controversy outside the arena, James successfully marked his debut week. James defeated the New York Knicks, ruining the opponent's championship ring ceremony. In his home debut, he overcame a 29-point deficit against his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, to secure a dramatic 114-106 comeback victory. Home fans, who had booed him early in the game, cheered at the dramatic reversal. This marked the largest point-differential comeback victory in both James' personal career and Philadelphia franchise history.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original