The NBA was understandably excited to start its season and get away from the China controversy that had embroiled the league over the past couple weeks.
However, even more controversy ensued on Tuesday night and on into Wednesday as video surfaced showing LeBron James walking off the court and screaming while the national anthem played.
LeBron disrespecting the Anthem?!? Oh no pic.twitter.com/3Gev5Dh24x
— Mickstape (@MickstapeShow) October 23, 2019
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The internet did not take kindly to James’ ill-timed and disrespectful outburst:
If this was the Chinese anthem @KingJames would have showed the proper respect https://t.co/a5yUyXo1dm
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) October 23, 2019
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LeBron was yelling for them to play China’s anthem @MickstapeShow pic.twitter.com/eeV4ZdvnS5
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 23, 2019
LeBron may truly have zero respect for America. National anthem still going and he walks off and yells “LET’S GO” to the crowd. His behavior the past month is indefensible. pic.twitter.com/Ql0T8a2QC2
— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) October 23, 2019
Former corrections officer accused of killing wife, forcing kids to help
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What a classless disrespectful move to the country that gave you the opportunity to make billions of dollars @KingJames. You’re more than welcome to leave anytime you want and don’t come back. Put your hand over your heart and say thank you. https://t.co/72bihf44wu
— Turner Wintz (@19tmoney19) October 23, 2019
Former corrections officer accused of killing wife, forcing kids to help
Anti-Israel protesters label Mamdani a ‘traitor,’ accuse him of ‘genocide’ outside Oct 7 vigil
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Manning: Let’s Talk About Mamdani Defending Hamas on Oct. 7 and Exactly What They Did to Their Female Victims
House Democratic candidate denies illegal immigrant arrested by ICE works for campaign
Critical House race that could decide control of Congress hits home stretch as GOP rep warns what’s at stake
It’s game 1 of the regular season and Lebron is already disrespecting our National Anthem and our country smh https://t.co/JovkQcwsVs
— cole (@colem008) October 23, 2019
James faced a firestorm of criticism after saying that Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey “wasn’t educated” on the China-Hong-Kong issue, before he sent a message of support to pro-democracy protesters earlier this month.
Former corrections officer accused of killing wife, forcing kids to help
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Trump to award Medal of Freedom to former pitcher Roger Clemens
SCOTUS Bought Congress Time on Deportations: Now Is the Time to Spend It
NFL All-Pro Draws Big Response by Posting a Video from Inside Trump’s Car
Ken Paxton calls out James Talarico’s 11-day absence at Trump rally, prompting response from campaign
Insurance Executive and His Family Found Dead in Mansion: Murder-Suicide Suspected
Trump heckled multiple times at Texas rally for Ken Paxton, blames ‘paid protesters’
FIRST ON FOX: US Coast Guard recruits largest class in nearly 40 years, beats goals for third straight year
Zach Bryan’s ‘Free Palestine’ Shirt Also Contained a Second Message – It Doesn’t Help His Case
GOP Senate hopeful sounds alarm after alleged Mall of America terror plot thwarted
Manning: Let’s Talk About Mamdani Defending Hamas on Oct. 7 and Exactly What They Did to Their Female Victims
House Democratic candidate denies illegal immigrant arrested by ICE works for campaign
Critical House race that could decide control of Congress hits home stretch as GOP rep warns what’s at stake
While backpedaling, James said that he is not a politician, and said that not “every issue should be everyone’s problem.”
Since that time, James has said he will no longer talk about the NBA-China rift. The Lakers star forward also did not have any comment about his disrespect towards the flag on Tuesday night.
The NBA faced serious financial hardship after China retaliated against the league by canceling promotional events and several business arrangements. It should also be noted that James has several financial interests in China outside the NBA. Most notably, Nike’s extremely lucrative sales in China, plus the deal that James’ production company has in the development of Space Jam 2 which is expected to do very well in the communist country.
Story cited here.
