Charles Barkley calls out LeBron James for disrespecting the national anthem with practice golf swing
Charles Barkley criticised LeBron James for practising his golf swing during the US national anthem before a Philadelphia 76ers game, calling the act disrespectful. Barkley said he disregards President Donald Trump’s comments but agreed with his criticism of James, while stressing that people can protest and that he considers standing for the anthem important.
The article says James also practised his swing during the anthem before a Lakers game last Christmas. It further recalls that in 2023 he arrived late to watch his son Bronny play for USC and took his seat during the anthem while wearing a hat, as others stood. Barkley linked his own decision to stand with support for free speech and the troops.
In short
- Barkley called James’s anthem-time golf swings disrespectful.
- James reportedly did the same before a Lakers game last Christmas.
- Barkley said he stands for the anthem while supporting free speech.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The national anthem is a shared civic ritual, and standing attentively can express respect for the country and for people who have served in its armed forces. From this perspective, practising a golf swing during the anthem is needlessly dismissive, even if James has the right to protest or opt out.
The case against
Respect for the country and its people need not require standing or observing the anthem in a prescribed way; a person’s gesture during it may be an exercise of personal freedom rather than an insult. James’s actions can therefore be seen as a minor, non-disruptive choice, and criticism of them risks treating one form of patriotic expression as obligatory.
Explained simply
Charles Barkley is a former professional basketball player who now comments on the sport, while LeBron James is a leading player for the Los Angeles Lakers. The US national anthem is played before many major sporting events, and people differ over whether standing for it is a personal choice or a sign of respect.
The debate also touches on athletes’ freedom to express themselves and the meaning people attach to national symbols. James has previously drawn attention for his behaviour during the anthem, while Barkley has spoken about his own choice to stand and his support for free speech and members of the armed forces.