Tua Tagovailoa confirmed his participation in the Trump administration’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition on Wednesday after practice, shaking off the president’s mispronunciation of his name and delivering quite an impression of Donald Trump to assembled Miami media.
The Dolphins quarterback, unlike Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, did accept the administration’s invitation to join the council. Trump created the council as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration next year, tasking it with increasing youth participation in sports and promoting active lifestyles among children.
Tagovailoa is one of 30 members of the council, which will rotate every two years. When Trump announced Tagovailoa’s participation, he struggled mightily with the Hawaiian quarterback’s last name.
On Wednesday, Tagovailoa laughed off the mispronunciation.
“I don’t think he had the worst. I’ve heard a couple worse in Alabama,” Tagovailoa said. “I don’t take that to heart.”
Then, Tagovailoa transitioned seamlessly into an impression of Trump talking about him at the council ceremony.
Whereas during the first Trump administration, most athletes and celebrities distanced themselves from Trump, this term has been quite different. Many stars still prefer to stay away from political figures. But when they do engage with Trump, it is not met with as much blowback.
Tagovailoa addressed his participation in the council in stride and even turned it into a bit of humor at his usual press conference. Despite the polarizing nature of Trump’s rhetoric, the Dolphins star and the team’s fan base appear to be comfortable with the quarterback’s involvement with the administration.
About Brendon Kleen
Brendon is a Media Commentary staff writer at Awful Announcing. He has also covered basketball and sports business at Front Office Sports, SB Nation, Uproxx and more.