Emmanuel Acho calls out people using “Slavequon” slur for Saquon Barkley as Eagles RB faces backlash for golfing with Donald Trump

Emmanuel Acho has publicly criticized the racial slur “Slavequon” used against Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley after his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Acho addressed the backlash toward Barkley, pointing to the inappropriate criticism athletes face based on their decision to either attend or skip the White House visit.

“I got no issue," Acho said on Tuesday, via 'The Facility.' "I've got no issue with Hurts skipping the White House visit. Hurts understands the repercussions of his attending the White House. I think he's also cognizant of the cultural repercussions of him attending the White House. First, those who are unaware of the cognition that I'm referring to (is) Saquon golfing with President Trump.

“Now on social media, they're calling ‘slavequon,’ and I hate the amount of venom that is occurring to the players who don't go, the players who do go. Saquon Barkley, by everything, every metric — great Father, great partner, great player, great leader.”

The controversy started when Barkley was seen golfing with Trump at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, ahead of the Eagles' scheduled White House appearance on Monday. In response to the online criticism, Barkley clarified his position through a tweet on Monday.

"lol some people are really upset cause I played golfed and flew to the White House with the PRESIDENT. Maybe I just respect the office, not a hard concept to understand. Just golfed with Obama not too long ago…and look forward to finishing my round with Trump ! Now ya get out my mentions with all this politics and have amazing day," Barkley wrote.

Barkley's actions have drawn attention due to the contrast with Jalen Hurts, who declined to answer whether he’d attend the White House visit when asked at the Time100 Gala on Friday. Hurts ultimately did not participate.

In 2018, the Eagles skipped the White House celebration after reported tensions around Trump’s stance on player protests during the national anthem. This year, despite initial uncertainty, the team confirmed its attendance. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also confirmed the invitation.

Giants dispute Donald Trump’s claim about Saquon Barkley advice during White House visit

During the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl visit to the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump said he once told the New York Giants not to let Saquon Barkley leave the team. He shared the story while praising his athletic ability, pointing to a play where the running back jumped over a defender.

“Do anything you have to, but don’t lose Saquon,” Trump said, via NBCS Sports.

However, the team was not happy with Trump’s comments. Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon told Front Office Sports that there were “no conversations” between the president and the organization. Hanlon also addressed the situation on X.

"With all due respect, stop yapping. Be the leader we all want you to be. And my 401K wants you to be. I’m trying to retire!! @realDonaldTrump," Hanlon tweeted on Monday.

There’s no public record of Trump speaking with the team about Barkley’s contract before the move.