Charles Barkley has joined the growing list of voices criticizing LeBron James for what appeared to be a practice golf swing during the national anthem. The NBA Hall of Famer made his feelings clear during a radio appearance, calling the moment “very disrespectful” while making sure everyone knew he was not siding with Donald Trump.
The controversy started on October 20, 2026, before the Philadelphia 76ers opened their season against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Footage showed James, making his 76ers debut, moving his arms in a motion that many interpreted as a golf swing while “The Star-Spangled Banner” played. The video quickly spread online, and by October 22, President Trump had weighed in with a scathing post on Truth Social.
Barkley’s comments arrived on October 28 during an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio with hosts Justin Termine and Eddie Johnson. The timing placed Barkley in the unusual position of agreeing with Trump on the substance of the criticism, even as he repeatedly distanced himself from the president.
What Exactly Happened During the Anthem?
The incident took place on opening night of the 2026-27 NBA season. James, who signed with Philadelphia in the offseason, lined up with his teammates for the national anthem before tip-off against New York. While most players stood still, James was seen moving his arms from side to side and mimicking a basketball shot, movements that some viewers described as a golf swing.
The video did not initially receive widespread attention. By October 22, however, it had gone viral after Trump shared a clip on Truth Social with an internal caption that read: “LeBron working on his golf swing pregame”. The president’s post called James a “TOTAL DISGRACE” and demanded an apology to military service members.
Not everyone interpreted the movements the same way. Reporting from The Philadelphia Inquirer noted that the motion could have been part of a stretching routine, and there is no indication that James intended to protest the anthem. James has stood for the anthem throughout his career, including in each of his previous 1,925 games.
Charles Barkley’s Message: Respect the Anthem, Ignore Trump
Barkley’s criticism was direct, but he took care to separate his view from the president’s. The former MVP opened by dismissing Trump entirely before turning to James.
“I don’t pay what President Trump says any attention, first and foremost, at all. But I thought that was very disrespectful, practicing a golf swing in the middle of the anthem.”
Barkley then explained why standing for the anthem matters to him personally. He pointed to the military and free speech as his reasons.
“I always stand for the anthem. I just think it’s important. We live in the greatest country ever. You can always protest, but I think you have to be very careful with the anthem.”
He expanded on that point, acknowledging that the country is not perfect while maintaining that protest should be handled with care.
“This country — it’s not close to being perfect. It’s a really good, great, great country, but it’s not close to being perfect. You can protest, but I think you have to do it very respectful. I really believe that.”
Barkley also shared what standing for the anthem means to him on a personal level.
“I’m supporting the troops when I stand for the national anthem. I’m standing there for free speech. Even though I believe in free speech, I think you have to be very careful with the anthem.”
The Hall of Famer’s position was clear: he disagreed with what he believed James did, but his opinion had nothing to do with Trump’s criticism. He said twice during the interview that he does not pay attention to what the president says.
Donald Trump’s Initial Attack on LeBron James
Trump’s criticism came two days after the video surfaced. On October 22, he posted on Truth Social:
“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.”
The president also demanded an apology:
“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!”
Trump doubled down later that same day during a rally in Iowa, telling the crowd: “During the national anthem, he’s practicing his golf swing… what the hell is that? It’s a big scandal”. The crowd responded with boos directed at James.
The exchange marked another chapter in a long-running feud between the two men. Their public disagreements date back to 2017, when James called Trump a “bum”.
LeBron James’ Response: ‘Slow News Day’
James did not engage directly with the substance of Trump’s criticism. When asked about the president’s comments after Philadelphia’s comeback win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 22, James chuckled and offered a short reply.
“It must be a slow news day at the office, you know. Slow news day in the office.”
The response was seen as a dismissive brush-off rather than a defense of his actions. James has not publicly addressed Barkley’s comments or the broader criticism from other former players.
His behavior during the anthem also appeared to shift. In the game following Trump’s criticism, James was seen standing with his arms behind his back while swaying side to side during the rendition, a marked change from the movements that sparked the controversy.
Other NBA Voices Join the Conversation
Barkley was not the only former player to weigh in. Jason Williams, the former NBA guard known for his time with the Sacramento Kings and Miami Heat, took an even stronger stance on his “Hoopin’ N Hollerin’” podcast. Williams said James should have stood still and suggested the league should fine him.
“I think [expletives] should stand the [expletive] still during the national anthem. I don’t [care], but I wish he stood the [expletive] still.”
Williams’ comments added another layer to the conversation, framing the issue as one of professional conduct rather than political protest. Unlike Barkley, who focused on personal respect for the anthem, Williams argued for a disciplinary response from the NBA.
How Fans Reacted to the Video
Social media reactions to the original footage were immediate and largely critical. Fans who viewed the clip described the movements as out of place during a solemn moment.
One fan wrote: “Pretty sure the national anthem is a bad and disrespectful time”. Another invoked a comparison to Michael Jordan: “MJ would never”. A third comment captured the tone of many responses: “The disrespect is unreal”.
Other reactions focused on the contrast between James and his teammates, who mostly stood still during the anthem. The fact that the game took place at Madison Square Garden on the Knicks’ ring night added to the visibility of the moment.
The Broader Anthem Conversation in the NBA
The controversy did not occur in a vacuum. The WNBA Finals had already brought national anthem protests back into the spotlight in October 2026, with both teams walking off the court during the anthem. James’ movements, whatever their intent, landed in an already charged environment around athlete activism and patriotism.
Barkley’s own history with anthem protests adds context to his position. In 2016, he said he preferred “action” over protests during the anthem, explaining that he wanted to see concrete steps after players took a knee. His comments this time followed a similar line: he supports the right to protest but believes the anthem itself deserves careful treatment.
The NBA has not announced any disciplinary action against James. The league has generally allowed players to express themselves during the anthem, and there is no indication that James’ movements were intended as a protest.
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What Barkley and James Have Said Since
Barkley has not added to his initial comments. James has not responded to Barkley or Williams. The next time the 76ers take the court for a national anthem, attention will be on whether James adjusts his routine or keeps it the same. For now, the conversation rests on two distinct positions: Barkley’s belief that the anthem requires a certain level of stillness, and James’ apparent view that the criticism is not worth a detailed response.
Also Read: LeBron James Launches New YouTube Golf Channel With First Episode Featuring 2016 Cavaliers Reunion
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