Charles Barkley discredits Trump but agrees with 'disrespectful' LeBron James take
Charles Barkley discredits Trump but agrees with 'disrespectful' LeBron James take
Joseph McBrideThu, October 29, 2026 at 2:22 AM UTC
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Charles Barkley called LeBron James 'disrespectful' -Credit:ESPN (ESPN)
NBA legend Charles Barkley has called out LeBron James for his 'disrespect' toward the national anthem, but despite siding with Donald Trump on one point, he distanced himself from the president.
The national anthem is sung before all professional basketball games in the U.S., though it has been the subject of controversy this month. Both teams competing in the WNBA Finals have walked off the court for the anthem, and James also showed a lack of care during his Philadelphia 76ers debut.
James was mocked for practicing his golf swing during the anthem, as his stretches angered Trump, who posted a scathing message on Truth Social. Barkley has also taken issue with his actions, but made it clear that he wasn't on board with Trump.
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The 76ers have been under the spotlight since James joined the organization, but he performed stretches during his first anthem as a Philadelphia player. Fans claimed that it looked like he was perfecting his golf swing, with the NBA star often seen on the links.
While James was animated before facing the New York Knicks, his teammates stood still and silent. This drew an angry reaction from Trump, and Barkley has also condemned his actions.
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During an interview on Sirius XM, Barkley said, "Well, number one, I don't pay what President Trump says any attention, first and foremost, at all. But I thought that was very disrespectful. Practicing a golf swing in the middle of the anthem.
"I think I always stand for the anthem. I just think it's important. We live in the greatest country ever. You can always protest, but I think you have to be very careful with the anthem.
"I'm always gonna stand for the anthem. This country... It's not even close to being perfect. It's a really good, great, great country, but it's not close to being perfect.
"You can protest, but I think you have to do it very respectfully. I really believe that. I'm supporting the troops when I stand for the national anthem.
"So, even though I believe in free speech, I think you have to be very careful with the anthem. I always stand for the anthem.
"I think it's important. I think it's significant. But I don't pay anything, when President Trump says something, I thought what LeBron did was very disrespectful, but I don't ever pay anything President Trump says attention."
Barkley's dig at Trump came after the president took to Truth Social to call out James. "While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country! I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE," Trump said on Truth Social.
Trump then demanded an apology from the NBA icon. "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!" Trump added.
Source: “AOL Sports”
