Washington D.C. – Former NFL star Lawrence Taylor, a registered sex offender, has been appointed to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on July 31, 2025, confirmed. The appointment has swiftly ignited controversy due to Taylor’s criminal history, which involves sexual misconduct with a minor.
Background of the Appointment
The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition was revived by President Trump’s executive order, aiming to address critical levels of obesity, chronic disease, inactivity, and poor nutrition among Americans, particularly children. The council’s stated goal is to promote sports participation, physical fitness, and nutrition.
Lawrence Taylor, a Hall of Fame linebacker for the New York Giants, was among the individuals tapped for the council, alongside other prominent sports figures such as golfer Bryson DeChambeau and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. Taylor was present at a White House press conference on July 31 where the revival of the fitness council was announced. During his remarks, Taylor expressed a lack of clarity regarding his specific responsibilities on the council, stating, “I’m just proud to be on this team. I don’t know why. I don’t know what we’re supposed to be doing. But I’m here to serve and I’m here to serve you.”
Lawrence Taylor’s Criminal History
In 2011, Lawrence Taylor pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges of sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute. These charges stemmed from an incident in which he had sex with a 16-year-old girl who was being sex trafficked. Following his conviction, he was sentenced to six years of probation and ordered to register as a sex offender. He has remained on the sex offender registry since.
In 2024, Taylor was reportedly arrested again in Florida for failing to update his address on the state’s sex offender registry, though prosecutors later closed that case.
Public and Media Reaction
The decision to appoint a registered sex offender to a council focused on the health and well-being of children and youth has been met with significant backlash from the public, media personalities, and advocacy groups. Critics have highlighted the jarring juxtaposition of Taylor’s past crimes with the council’s mission, which aims to foster healthy and active citizens.
Social media platforms have seen strong reactions, with some calling the appointment “sickening” and questioning the administration’s judgment. The controversy is further amplified by recent discussions surrounding high-profile individuals with connections to convicted sex offenders.
