Deputy Texas Attorney General Aaron Reitz Criticises Simone Biles’ Decision To Prioritize Her Mental Health

Deputy Texas Attorney General Aaron Reitz called Simone Biles a “self, childish national embarrassment” in a tweet after she announced her withdrawal from this week’s Olympic events.

Biles has dropped out of two events in the Tokyo Olympics this week, citing mental health issues as the reason. While many fans have defended and praised the Olympic medalist for putting her mental health first, a number of Texas conservatives have criticized Biles’ decision.

Reitz retweeted a post praising Kerri Strug for competing in the 1996 Olympics with an injured ankle, one that soon ended her gymnastics career altogether, comparing Biles’ decision to prioritize mental health with Strug competing.

Strug, who won gold at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, tweeted her support for Biles’ decision to pull out of the competition.

Reitz’s tweet generated outrage among the public. Even Attorney General Ken Paxton weighed in on the criticism, stating that he was aware of the tweet and the matter would be dealt with internally. He also voiced his support for Biles.

Reitz has since issued an apology and deleted the tweet.

Biles has not announced whether or not she will be competing in next week’s individual events.