Saquon Barkley declines Donald Trump’s invite to join his sports council
Super Bowl champion Saquon Barkley announced on Monday that he won’t be joining President Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.
“A couple of months ago, it was brought to my team about the council. So, I’m not really too familiar with it,” Barkley said during a press conference. “I felt like I am going to be super busy, so me and my family thought it would probably be of best interest to not accept that.”
“I was definitely a little shocked when my name was mentioned,” he added. “I’m assuming it’s something great, so I appreciate it but was a little shocked when my name was mentioned.”
The Philadelphia Eagles running back has played golf with Trump at his Bedminster, N.J., resort and even flew back to the White House with him on Air Force One earlier this year.
Barkley’s appearance alongside the president in April drew some criticism, though Trump praised the NFL star as a phenomenal athlete.
“He’s a great young guy and an incredible football player. Saquon had a season for the ages, running behind the most powerful offensive line in the NFL,” Trump said about his time with Barkley, according to The Associated Press.
Barkley was among the names considered for one of the 30 spots on the White House sports council, which was created under an executive order aimed at reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test. The initiative focuses on addressing rising rates of obesity, chronic disease, inactivity, and poor nutrition among the nation’s children, as outlined in the memo.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell; former Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor; current and retired players like Nick Bosa, Tua Tagovailoa, and Harrison Butker; and former ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky are anticipated to be part of the council, which will be led by professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau.
“I’m proud to be on this team. I don’t know what we’re supposed to be doing, but I’m here to serve. I’m here to serve you,” Taylor said during the executive order signing at the White House last week.
“I’m going to do the best I can for as long as I can,” he added.
While Taylor’s responsibilities weren’t detailed right away, others received specific roles, including Bosa, who will advise the president on matters related to college athletics and women’s sports.
