Overview

• President Trump’s July 31 executive order reestablished the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition and revived the Presidential Fitness Test for American children
• Barkley said he and his family agreed the time demands of the upcoming NFL season made participation impractical, and he was surprised to learn he had been named to the panel
• The White House had approached his management team months earlier, but Barkley said he was unfamiliar with the council’s goals when he declined
• The 30-member council will include active athletes such as Harrison Butker, Tua Tagovailoa and Nick Bosa, and will develop school-based fitness awards and programs
• Barkley’s refusal underscores athlete autonomy in political appointments as the administration advances its national youth fitness initiative