President Donald Trump publicly criticized NBA star LeBron James on Thursday, accusing him of disrespecting the United States after a video appeared to show the basketball player stretching during the national anthem. Trump's remarks, posted on social media, accompanied a video with overlaid text claiming James was "working on his golf swing."
"I said right from the beginning that he's no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE," Trump wrote. "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!"
The Philadelphia 76ers forward was seen performing arm stretches before a basketball shooting motion in the video. James has not yet commented on Trump's latest remarks, and representatives for the athlete did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This is not the first time Trump has criticized James. During his first administration, the president disparaged the four-time NBA champion's intelligence. More recently, in July, Trump speculated that James was a "racist" after the player signed with the Sixers, stating, "I only like people who like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way."
James has previously voiced criticism of Trump. In 2017, after Trump rescinded a White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors, James told reporters, "He doesn't understand how many kids, no matter the race, look up to the president of the United States for guidance, for leadership, for words of encouragement. He doesn't understand that, and that's what makes me more sick than anything."
James scored 14 points for the 76ers in their 106-100 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday. The forward is scheduled to make his home debut for Philadelphia against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night.