Lakers star LeBron James has taken a beating on social media after he entered the Galen Heart at USC throughout the nationwide anthem and sat down whereas the track performed earlier than his son Bronny’s first sport with the Trojans.
“The 19-year-old son of the NBA celebrity made his debut for the Trojans on Sunday, simply months after struggling a terrifying cardiac arrest throughout observe,” famous Whiskey Riff. “However it was LeBron’s actions pregame which might be drawing consideration on-line.
“Video exhibits LeBron strolling into the Galen Heart throughout the nationwide anthem forward of the matchup between the Trojans and the Lengthy Seaside State 49ers. However as an alternative of remaining standing, LeBron promptly takes his seat courtside, and stays seated throughout the anthem,” it added.
The net backlash got here swiftly, with social media customers accusing the athlete of disrespecting the Star-Spangled Banner.
As a Black lady, this hurts my soul.
Lebron ought to thank God each day for this nice nation and this track that represents his freedom.
As a substitute he shits on us each likelihood he will get. https://t.co/YQ0LUngsro
— Lavern Spicer 🇺🇸 (@lavern_spicer) December 13, 2023
Basketball participant LeBron James interrupts Nationwide Anthem by strolling throughout the basketball court docket as gamers stand in respect then refuses to face nonetheless earlier than taking a seat whereas the Nationwide Anthem remains to be being sung.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) December 13, 2023
LeBron sits throughout the Anthem.
Entrance timing appears a bit disrespectful too. pic.twitter.com/FHOTh5GODA
— eve (@eveforamerica) December 13, 2023
Lebron James hates the nation that made him a billionaire.
He didn’t kneel. He actually went and sat down throughout the anthem.
Cancel him. pic.twitter.com/DlhqAhaRJg
— Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) December 13, 2023
LeBron James casually walks into the basketball area whereas the Nationwide Anthem is enjoying and takes a seat.
Zero respect for the nation that gave him the chance to be a basketball star.
Zero respect for the nation that allowed him to turn into a billionaire.
Zero respect… pic.twitter.com/NaTmdeOabx
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 13, 2023
LeBron James attends his son’s school basketball sport. COMPLETELY ignores the Nationwide Anthem.
Anti-American scum. Ought to have by no means been allowed on Workforce USA within the olympics. I do know the wokesters are going to assault me for this tweet. Kiss my black ass!pic.twitter.com/wDpPEUDARB
— Suburban Black Man 🇺🇸 (@niceblackdude) December 13, 2023
LeBron James publicly supported the nationwide anthem kneelers throughout the peak of the controversy. He even mentioned that he stopped being a Dallas Cowboys fan as a result of crew’s preliminary stance on anthem kneeling.
“There was simply plenty of issues that was happening throughout when guys had been kneeling, and guys had been having freedom of speech,” James mentioned on the time. “They wished to do it in a really peaceable method. Lots of people of their entrance workplace and lots of people that ran the group was like, ‘If you happen to try this round right here, then you’ll by no means play for this franchise once more.’ And I simply didn’t assume that was acceptable.”
Paul Roland Bois directed the award-winning function movie, EXEMPLUM, which might be seen for FREE on YouTube or Tubi. A high-quality, ad-free stream will also be bought on Google Play or Vimeo on Demand. Observe him on Twitter @prolandfilms or Instagram @prolandfilms.