UFC fighter Colby Covington joined the wave of criticism aimed at NBA star LeBron James, following the emergence of a video showing James seated during the national anthem at a USC basketball game. Covington, gearing up for his welterweight clash with Leon Edwards at UFC 296, didn’t hold back in his comments made during a Wednesday night press conference.
Covington targeted James for his actions, suggesting that if James was so displeased with the United States, despite the immense wealth he has amassed in the country, he should consider leaving. He accused James of exploiting labor in foreign countries for personal gain and branded him a coward.
The incident in question occurred when James, accompanied by his son Bryce and two of Bryce’s high school teammates, entered USC’s Galen Center in Los Angeles. The video, posted by Orange County Register reporter Luca Evans, captured James taking a seat while “The Star-Spangled Banner” played in the background. Observers noted that James did not remove his hat during the anthem, a traditional sign of respect, and only stood up towards the end of the anthem.
James was at the arena to watch his older son, Bronny, play following Bronny’s recovery from a cardiac arrest earlier in the year. However, James’s actions during the national anthem quickly attracted criticism online, with some accusing him of disrespecting the country.
Evans, who originally posted the video, responded to the backlash, stating that the portrayal of James in the video was misleading. He pointed out that James has consistently entered games during the anthem to minimize disruption, a practice he has followed for years during Bronny’s games at Sierra Canyon.
Meanwhile, LeBron James was absent from the Lakers’ game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. His entrance at the USC game and the subsequent controversy highlight the ongoing debate about patriotism and respect in sports.