“Have to be very careful with the anthem”: Charles Barkley criticizes LeBron James for golf swing during national anthem, says it was ‘disrespectful’

Charles Barkley called out LeBron James over the national anthem controversy days after Trump slammed the NBA player. King James has been under scrutiny recently after a video of him practicing his golf swing during the national anthem went viral online. The video got more attention when President Trump slammed LeBron on October 22.

The former basketball player and sports analyst, Charles Barkley, also criticized LeBron James for his gesture during the national anthem. He also clarified that he doesn’t pay attention to what Trump says, but in this case, Trump was right.

He said that James disrespected the national anthem. Barkley said:

“Well, number one, I don't pay attention to what President Trump says, first and foremost, uh, at all. But I thought that was very disrespectful, practicing a golf swing in the middle of the anthem. I think I always stand for the anthem. Uh, I just think it's important. We live in the greatest country ever where you can always protest, but I think you have to be very careful with the anthem. I’m always gonna stand for the anthem.”

He claimed that he always stands for the anthem to show his support for the country's troops. Charles said:

“It's a really good, great country, but it's not close to being perfect. And you can protest, but I think you have to do it very respectfully. I really believe that because I look at it I'm supporting the troops when I stand for the national anthem. I'm standing there for free speech.”

Lastly, Charles said that LeBron James should have been careful with the anthem.

“So even though I believe in free speech, I think you have to be very careful with the anthem. I always stand for the anthem. I think it's important.”

Trump targeted LeBron James in recent post

Earlier this month, the POTUS blasted LeBron for practicing his golf swing in the middle of the anthem. In his post, the president called the NBA icon a ‘total disgrace’ and demanded an apology for allegedly being disrespectful to the anthem. In his post, Trump wrote:

“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country! I said right from the beginning that he's no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE. LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!”

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Stephen A. Smith backed LeBron James. In his recent podcast, he said that most of the players prepare for the game during the national anthem and urged viewers not to listen to the president.

King James responded to the POTUS by suggesting it must have been a ‘slow news day’ at the office.

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