Trump demands apology from LeBron James over anthem video

President Donald Trump called LeBron James a “total disgrace” and demanded an apology after video showed the Philadelphia 76ers player moving during the national anthem before the team’s season opener against the New York Knicks in New York. In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump accused James of disrespecting the United States and said he should apologize to service members and others who died for the American flag. Trump shared footage from the game, played Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. The video shows James making motions resembling a golf swing and basketball warm-up movements as the anthem was performed. His teammates, lined up nearby, mostly stood still. The footage documents James’s movements but does not establish his intent. Trump’s characterization of them as disrespectful was his own judgment. James, who is beginning his first season with Philadelphia, had not commented publicly on Trump’s criticism as of Thursday afternoon, according to reports. One account also said the 76ers had not publicly addressed it. No later response is described. The episode comes amid years of public exchanges between Trump and James, who has criticized the president and spoken...