Former NBA players criticize LeBron James over national anthem behavior

Former NBA players have publicly criticized Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James for his behavior during the national anthem. Fox News and Mediaite reported that former point guard Jason Williams used an expletive-filled rant on his podcast to criticize James for swaying and appearing to practice his golf swing during the Star-Spangled Banner. The Daily Mail reported that NBA legend Charles Barkley also criticized James over the controversy. [1][2][5]

According to Fox News, Williams hosts the Barstool Sports podcast Hoopin N Hollerin, where he argued that James deserved a fine for his actions. The Daily Mail noted that the controversy arose after James was accused of disrespecting the anthem ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers season-opening game against the New York Knicks. [1][2][5]

The controversy has also drawn political attention. As FTMQ News reported earlier, United States President Donald Trump previously criticized James on social media, calling him a total disgrace and demanding an apology after video showed him moving during the anthem before his 76ers debut in Manhattan. The Daily Mail reported that Barkley admitted he reluctantly found himself on the same side of the debate as Trump. [2][10]

James is the NBA all-time leading scorer and has won four NBA championships. As FTMQ News reported earlier, James recently joined the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of the current NBA season. Neither James nor the 76ers issued an immediate public response following the initial criticism. [7][9][10][11]