Football player Saquon Barkley of the Eagles asserts that he is not a member of Trump's sports advisory board, expressing surprise at being linked to the group.
In a surprising turn of events, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has declined an invitation to join the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. The council, chaired by golfing sensation Bryson DeChambeau, aims to create school-based programs that reward "excellence in physical education" and develop criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award.
Barkley, who was initially taken aback by the invitation, expressed his reservations due to his busy football schedule. After discussing the matter with his family, he decided it was in their best interest for him not to accept the role.
The President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition is not a new entity, having been established during the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966. The Presidential Fitness Test, which was first introduced at that time, is being revived by the order. The test is set to permeate public schools and anoint children who receive the highest scores with presidential recognition.
Other notable figures appointed to the council include NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, San Francisco 49ers defensive star Nick Bosa, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and former college football player Cody Campbell. The list also includes sports legends such as Roger Goodell, Wayne Gretzky, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Mariano Rivera, Tony Romo, Annika Sörenstam, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, former New York Giants star Lawrence Taylor, and Florida Panthers player Matthew Tkachuk.
Barkley's decision to meet and play golf with President Donald Trump has drawn criticism on social media. However, it is clear that the two are on friendly terms, as evidenced by a recent encounter at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, in April. Despite the criticism, Barkley has stated that he does not plan to participate in the council.
It is unclear whether Barkley's decision is final, as no subsequent reports indicate a reversal of his decision. Regardless, the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition is set to continue its mission of promoting fitness and nutrition in schools and beyond.
- Saquon Barkley, despite being invited to join the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, declined due to his busy schedule in American football.
- The President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, which chairs golfing sensation Bryson DeChambeau, aims to develop school-based programs rewarding excellence in physical education and criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award.
- Notable figures such as NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, San Francisco 49ers defensive star Nick Bosa, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and sports legends like Roger Goodell, Wayne Gretzky, and Annika Sörenstam have been appointed to the council.
- Barkley's decision to play golf with President Donald Trump has received criticism on social media, but it is evident that the two have formed friendly terms, as seen in their recent encounter at the Trump National Golf Club.
