Trump Trying To ‘Divide’ Americans, Says LeBron During Cavs Media Day

CLEVELAND, OH — During Cleveland Cavaliers media day on Monday, star forward LeBron James took an array of questions on his impending free agency, his relationship with departed point guard Kyrie Irving, and, less routine, his burgeoning feud with President Donald Trump. Even while addressing his public spat with the president, James refused to call his opponent by his name, referring to Trump only as, "that guy."

"The thing that frustrates me and pisses me off a little bit is that he’s now using the sports platform to divide us," James told reporters. "Sports is so amazing in what it can do for everyone, no matter the shape, size, race, ethnicity, religion, or whatever….people find teams, find players, find colors because of sports. They gravitate toward that and it makes them so happy. It brings people together like none other."

The rivalry between James and Trump kicked off Sept. 23 when the president took to Twitter to publicly withdraw the Golden State Warriors' invitation to attend the White House. The president said that because the Warriors' star point guard Stephen Curry was "hesitating" to attend, the invitation was rescinded. (To stay up to date on local stories, subscribe to the Patch Cleveland newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.)

The comment drew a quick response from James, who made it clear that Curry had already said, prior to Trump's Tweet, that he would not attend the White House visit. James called Trump, "a bum" and added "Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!"

James later addressed his comments in a video posted to social media.

Trump's focus on feuds with athletes spilled from NBA players to NFL protests, with the president making incendiary comments on Friday about players kneeling during the national anthem.

"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag to say get that son of a b***h off the field right now, out, he's fired," Trump said to the crowd at a rally in Huntsville, Alabama on Friday. "He's fired!"

In response, players, coaches, and even some owners, knelt during the national anthem on Sunday. Some teams — like the Pittsburgh Steelers — refused to leave the locker room for the pre-game ceremony.

About 20 Cleveland Browns players knelt during the national anthem during their game at Indianapolis.

Trump quickly Tweeted his response to the protests.

James, on the other hand, took time to praise Sunday's protests.

"I salute the NFL, the coaches, the players, the owners, the fans, everyone that had any association with the NFL yesterday was unbelievable. There was solidarity. There was no divide. Even from that guy that continues to try and divide us as people," James said.

James ended his Monday press conference by saying he would continue to oppose divisive actions and words.

"I will lend my voice, my passion, my money, my resources to my youth and my inner city and outside my inner city to let these kids know there is hope, there are greater walks of life," he said. "Not one individual, whether it’s the president of the United States or someone in your house, can stop your dreams from becoming a reality."

(AP Photo/Ron Schwane)