NBA star LeBron James was shown practicing his golf swing during the playing of the United States national anthem before his 76ers debut on Tuesday. Later in the week, President Donald Trump called James’ conduct a “TOTAL DISGRACE” on social media.
The story itself is quite simple. James practiced his golf swing during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Trump criticized him for it. And yet, the headline writers at ESPN apparently didn’t see it quite as clearly.
According to ESPN.com on Thursday, “Trump criticizes LeBron James for not standing still during the national anthem.”
Take a look:
Here’s the full clip of James during the national anthem:
Describing what James did as merely “not standing still” is an awfully charitable characterization. He wasn’t shifting his feet or adjusting his uniform. He was practicing his golf swing while the national anthem played.
The framing minimizes the conduct at the center of the controversy. ESPN suggested James’ behavior was innocuous and Trump’s criticism was excessive.
That was the point. ESPN must feel it has an obligation to protect James. The headline writers must have also agreed James was wrong. Otherwise, there would be no reason to sanitize it as James merely failing to “stand still.”
At least athletes who kneel during the anthem generally claim that they are doing so as a form of protest. James offered no such explanation. He simply sought to make a mockery of the anthem.
It also wasn’t the first time. James was caught practicing his swing during the national anthem on Christmas Day last year.
There’s something cringe about a star American athlete who previously criticized NBA executive Daryl Morey for supporting Hong Kong protesters now behaving this way during the U.S. national anthem.
At this stage of his career, the NBA also has to ask how much James still benefits its brand.
James turns 42 in December. He has averaged 15 points per game through his first two games this season and, unsurprisingly at his age, is a shell of his former self.
His basketball legacy is secure. James is one of the greatest players in NBA history. But he has become a net negative through his declining play and consistently anti-American messaging.