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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Pro-Life Leaders Praise Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen for ‘Incredible’ Pro-Family Comments During Press Conference
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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
Mamdani taps ex-con to lead NYC jails as Rikers remains under federal oversight
Burglars caught spying on homes with hidden camouflaged cameras before striking neighborhoods
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Louisiana authorities, federal agents nab all 8 inmates who escaped in jailbreak after massive manhunt
Federal judge orders Trump admin to release 5-year-old, his dad from immigration detention within 3 days
Hundreds rally outside Iranian UN ambassador’s Fifth Avenue residence calling for regime change
Sex offender tries to get key evidence thrown out ahead of trial
Olympic Gold Medalist Sha’Carri Richardson Arrested for Violating ‘Super Speeding’ Law
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Alleged MS-13 gang member accused of 5 murders in home country nabbed in Virginia
Minnesota judge refuses to block Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis
Nigel Farage says ‘It’s time I was in charge’ as Tory defections to Reform UK mount
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
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House Democrats mutiny Schumer’s deal with White House, threatening longer shutdown
Louisiana authorities, federal agents nab all 8 inmates who escaped in jailbreak after massive manhunt
Federal judge orders Trump admin to release 5-year-old, his dad from immigration detention within 3 days
Hundreds rally outside Iranian UN ambassador’s Fifth Avenue residence calling for regime change
Sex offender tries to get key evidence thrown out ahead of trial
Olympic Gold Medalist Sha’Carri Richardson Arrested for Violating ‘Super Speeding’ Law
Pro-Life Leaders Praise Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen for ‘Incredible’ Pro-Family Comments During Press Conference
47 Christian and Conservative Groups Band Together for Major Effort to End Gay ‘Marriage’
Shooting at Louisiana Mardi Gras parade leaves multiple people injured: reports
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Alleged MS-13 gang member accused of 5 murders in home country nabbed in Virginia
Minnesota judge refuses to block Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis
Nigel Farage says ‘It’s time I was in charge’ as Tory defections to Reform UK mount
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.
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House Democrats mutiny Schumer’s deal with White House, threatening longer shutdown
Louisiana authorities, federal agents nab all 8 inmates who escaped in jailbreak after massive manhunt
Federal judge orders Trump admin to release 5-year-old, his dad from immigration detention within 3 days
Hundreds rally outside Iranian UN ambassador’s Fifth Avenue residence calling for regime change
Sex offender tries to get key evidence thrown out ahead of trial
Olympic Gold Medalist Sha’Carri Richardson Arrested for Violating ‘Super Speeding’ Law
Pro-Life Leaders Praise Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen for ‘Incredible’ Pro-Family Comments During Press Conference
47 Christian and Conservative Groups Band Together for Major Effort to End Gay ‘Marriage’
Shooting at Louisiana Mardi Gras parade leaves multiple people injured: reports
New Video Shows Bystander Take Down Man Breaching TSA Checkpoint
Alleged MS-13 gang member accused of 5 murders in home country nabbed in Virginia
Minnesota judge refuses to block Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis
Nigel Farage says ‘It’s time I was in charge’ as Tory defections to Reform UK mount
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.
