Lebron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, faced a barrage of criticism from some white people on social media after he arrived late at his son Bronny’s first college basketball game. The reason? They claimed he disrespected the National Anthem by not taking off his hat and sitting down while it was playing.
The incident happened on Saturday, December 9, 2023, when Bronny James made his college debut for the USC Trojans, in a game they unfortunately lost. It was a highly anticipated game, not only because of the rivalry between the two teams, but also because it marked the return of Bronny to the court after he suffered a cardiac arrest in July.
Lebron James, who was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers the night before, flew to Los Angeles with his daughter Zhuri, his mother Gloria, his younger son Bryce, and his friend Bryce Cofield to support Bronny. However, they arrived at the Arena when the National Anthem was already in progress. Lebron, wearing a hat, walked to his seat with his family and sat down while the anthem was still playing.
This sparked a wave of outrage from some white people on social media, who accused Lebron of being unpatriotic, disrespectful, and arrogant. They argued that he should have waited until the anthem was over before taking his seat, and that he should have removed his hat and stood up as a sign of respect.
These accusations are baseless and petty, as anyone who watched the footage can tell. Lebron was clearly focused on getting his family situated in their seat, and thinking about his son’s first college basketball game. He did not intend to cause any offense or disruption, and he did not violate any rules or protocols. In fact, anyone who has been to a basketball game has seen people arrive during the national anthem a million times, and no one makes a fuss about it.
Moreover, Lebron has shown his respect and appreciation for the National Anthem and the country many times before. He has stood up and sung along with the anthem at countless games, and he has spoken out against injustice and inequality in America. He has also donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, health, and social justice. He is a role model and a leader, not only for his son, but for millions of people around the world.
It is sad that some white people on social media are trying to dampen Bronny’s college debut, and a special moment for his family, with these ludicrous accusations that Lebron disrespected the National Anthem. It’s possible their pettiness is motivated by racism, jealousy, and hatred, and they are looking for any excuse to criticize Lebron.
Lebron and Bronny James are two of the most talented and inspiring basketball players in the world, and they deserve respect and admiration, not hate and slander. They have overcome many challenges and obstacles in their lives, and they have shown their love and loyalty for their family, their team, and their country. They are not disrespecting the National Anthem, they are honoring it with their actions and achievements.
