LeBron James faced criticism online after appearing to sit with his head bowed and hands clasped during the US national anthem before his Philadelphia 76ers debut against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, 20 October.
The 41-year-old forward was seated on the bench at Madison Square Garden as the Knicks celebrated their NBA championship with a banner-raising ceremony. Footage of James' posture circulated online, prompting some viewers to accuse him of disrespecting the national anthem.