US President Donald Trump has attacked NBA star LeBron James over how he behaved during the US national anthem before a Philadelphia 76ers game.
In a tweet on Thursday, Trump shared a video of James swinging his arms and practicing basketball shots with his friends during the anthem.
“While we listen to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country,” Trump wrote.
He also demanded four-time NBA champion to apologise to all those American soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the nation.
“LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors & Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!” Trump wrote.
It was unclear what, if any, response the 76ers would give after those initial words from their president.
The criticism was part of a long-standing feud between Trump and high-profile American sportspeople about what they are doing during the national anthem.
Trump has also previously clashed with NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who in 2016 started kneeling to highlight racial inequality and police brutality.
In 2018, Trump also canceled a White House visit by the Philadelphia Eagles after their players refused to follow his direction to stand for the anthem.
James, meanwhile, has been an outspoken supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and others.
The newest quarrel joins a list of recent conflicts between the president and the former NBA star, though James had not issued a public response to Trump’s remarks by press time.
