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
Texas Senate candidate Talarico said US was ‘backsliding’ on democracy in resurfaced clip
7 Republicans rebel against Trump, vote with Dems to rein in Iran war powers
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Injured climber crawls ‘through the night’ to safety after falling 500 feet down California mountain
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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
Texas Senate candidate Talarico said US was ‘backsliding’ on democracy in resurfaced clip
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Republican upsets party-backed rival to challenge first openly trans member of Congress
Watch: Accused Child Sex Predator Literally Faints in Front of Judge After Learning Penalty He’s Facing
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Democrat rebels defy Jeffries to hand GOP critical win just before midterms
Kash Patel says ‘no evidence’ Trump shooter Thomas Crooks spoke to anyone but his parents
Oct. 7 families release dossier blaming Netanyahu for massacre
Historic: FBI Captures All 10 Fugitives on ‘Most Wanted’ List in Trump’s Second Term
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.
Texas Senate candidate Talarico said US was ‘backsliding’ on democracy in resurfaced clip
7 Republicans rebel against Trump, vote with Dems to rein in Iran war powers
Fourth Florida resident dies after contracting flesh-eating bacteria linked to oysters
Washington Democrat claims majority of recent DHS arrestees posed ‘no threat to public safety’
Injured climber crawls ‘through the night’ to safety after falling 500 feet down California mountain
Republican upsets party-backed rival to challenge first openly trans member of Congress
Watch: Accused Child Sex Predator Literally Faints in Front of Judge After Learning Penalty He’s Facing
President Trump Nominates Franklin Graham’s Daughter for Key Religious Freedom Position
Nancy Mace Wants Lindsay Clancy Executed, And Says ‘It Should Be Public’
Judge refers Philadelphia district attorney to federal prosecutors over handling of murder case
Senate moves to rein in college sports ‘Wild West’ with sweeping new rules for players, schools
Democrat rebels defy Jeffries to hand GOP critical win just before midterms
Kash Patel says ‘no evidence’ Trump shooter Thomas Crooks spoke to anyone but his parents
Oct. 7 families release dossier blaming Netanyahu for massacre
Historic: FBI Captures All 10 Fugitives on ‘Most Wanted’ List in Trump’s Second Term
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.
