President Donald Trump blasted James after the incident, calling him a "total disgrace," and while Barkley made it a point to say he doesn't care what the President has to say about anything, the two see eye to eye when it comes to James disrespecting the anthem."I don’t pay what President Trump says any attention, first and foremost, at all," Barkley began when asked about the moment on SiriusXM NBA Radio."But I thought that was very disrespectful, practicing your golf swing in the middle of the anthem.
I always stand for the anthem.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."LEBRON JAMES CURSES OUT KNICKS FAN IN HEATED EXCHANGE: 'I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE F--- YOU TALKING ABOUT'Former Phoenix Suns player Charles Barkley sits courtside during an NBA Cup game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on Nov.21, 2025.
(Mark J.Rebilas/Imagn Images)This is not the first time James has decided that the middle of the national anthem was an opportune time to work on his golf swing.Last Christmas, while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, James got in a few practice swings ahead of his team's eventual loss to the Houston Rockets.LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers stands for the national anthem before a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGEWhile Barkley mentioned always being allowed to protest, it doesn't appear that James was protesting anything in this instance, but instead simply not being able to stand still and disrespecting the anthem in the process."I look at it, I'm supporting the troops when I stand for the national anthem," Barkley continued."I'm standing there for free speech, so even though I believe in free speech, I think ...