The King of the NBA is a Court Jester of America

The NBA season had barely tipped off, and we already had a clown show from one of the biggest disgraces in professional sports: LeBron James.

The newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers, a franchise whose name celebrates the founding of this country and whose uniforms feature red, white and blue, made a spectacle of himself during the national anthem before Tuesday night’s season opener against the New York Knicks. He now represents Philadelphia, the city where American independence was born, making the scene all the more embarrassing.

Video showed James swinging his arms, mimicking a golf swing and pretending to shoot free throws while the anthem played. Apparently, two minutes was too much to ask of a man who has been given extraordinary opportunities in America and has built a fortune playing a game he loves.

The national anthem is more than just a song about American freedom. It tells a story of sacrifice, courage and the determination of a nation to survive. Written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, its lyrics were inspired by his observation of the British bombardment of Fort McHenry and the sight of the American flag still flying afterward.

That flag represents far more than a piece of cloth, and the anthem represents far more than a pregame formality. It honors the country that countless Americans have fought and died to defend. Those men and women are real heroes, people who put their lives on the line for something bigger than themselves. They deserve respect, regardless of anyone’s political beliefs.

LeBron James can shoot a basketball and play the sport well. Nobody can take away his accomplishments on the court. But being a superstar doesn't make someone bigger than the country that gave him the freedom and opportunity to pursue his dreams. Standing respectfully for the national anthem is hardly an unreasonable expectation.

And this happened on Opening Night, while James was wearing a Philadelphia 76ers jersey. If there was ever a moment to recognize the significance of that uniform's red, white and blue, this was it.

I suppose we should give James a little credit for at least remaining on the court. Before the WNBA championship game, players reportedly left the floor rather than remain for the national anthem. That decision deserves scrutiny, too. These are athletes who enjoy tremendous opportunities, yet their actions can send a message of disdain toward a country that has helped make their careers possible.

Nobody is demanding that every athlete agree on politics or express patriotism in exactly the same way. But respect should not be too much to ask. There is a difference between exercising your freedom to express an opinion and treating a national moment of remembrance like a personal comedy routine.

The NBA season is supposed to begin with excitement, rivalries and basketball. Instead, we are already talking about a millionaire making a spectacle of himself during the national anthem.

Pathetic. Entitled. Completely unnecessary.

The flag and the anthem represent something much bigger than LeBron James or any other athlete. Maybe it's time some of these superstars started acting like they understand that.