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
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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
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Watch: The Moment Karoline Leavitt’s Kirk Eulogy Couldn’t Go on as Crowd Applauded Most Important Line of Night
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.
Manchin memoir exposes secret Schumer deal that blindsided Pelosi and split Democrats
JD Vance: ‘I’ll Never Forget’ What Erika Kirk Told Me the Day After Charlie’s Death
From grief to growth: Turning Point USA becomes a rallying force for Gen Z in battleground Arizona
Teachers union chief Randi Weingarten promotes book on ‘fascist regimes’ days after Kirk’s assassination
Watch: Rush Limbaugh Remembers Meeting Charlie Kirk for the First Time and Correctly Predicts His Future
Newsom risks alienating Big Tech and Agriculture ahead of 2028
Sen Ted Cruz paints over profane anti-Charlie Kirk graffiti: ‘Erasing evil’
Inside Operation Midnight Hammer: B-2 commander reveals how US pulled off surprise strikes on Iran
Deep Dive: How DC Mayor Bowser Just Bucked National Dems to Help Trump Save Lives
Video: The Flying Cars Have Finally Arrived and They Are Magical
FBI links Tyler Robinson to Charlie Kirk shooting through DNA and recovered note
Hundreds mourn Charlie Kirk at Kennedy Center memorial: ‘Honor his unmatched legacy’
House Republican plans to leave Congress after more than 2 decades in office
FBI Investigating Local Leftist Groups in Connection to Charlie Kirk’s Murder
Watch: The Moment Karoline Leavitt’s Kirk Eulogy Couldn’t Go on as Crowd Applauded Most Important Line of Night
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.