Shelton’s James Tate and Sonali Rodrigues appeared on the Today show Monday morning to talk about last week’s “Team Tate” saga.
It was their second appearance on the Today show in two weeks.
“I thought you were toast,” said Today show anchor Matt Lauer, referring to Tate’s chances last week of going to his June 4 prom.
Tate and two friends were banned from the prom for taping a giant message to the side of Shelton High School in which Tate asked Rodrigues to the prom.
Shelton High School Headmaster Beth Smith reversed her decision Saturday afternoon, following an avalanche of “Team Tate” support online. The story made headlines all over the planet.
Tate told Lauer he woke up Saturday and his parents told him a press conference was scheduled. He didn’t know what school officials were planning to announce. Instead of sticking around, the co-captain of the Shelton golf team went golfing.
Tate also said Smith chatted with him about the incident Friday at the high school. She wanted to make sure he was OK.
“She told me that I was handling this well and (asked) if I needed any help with the stressful situation, she would be able to help me out,” Tate said.
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Regarding the attention the couple has been receiving — in addition to the Today show, they appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” — Rodrigues said someone asked her for her autograph when she went to the movies.
She described that as “weird.”
Overall, both students said people have been overwhelmingly nice to them.
“I think this has been completely blown out of proportion, but it’s been pretty cool,” Tate said.
Rodrigues said she hopes the attention starts to “die out.”
Tate said he has not been informed of any “alternative punishment” school officials may have in store for him. The phrase was used by Smith in her statement Saturday.
Lauer then asked Tate and Rodrigues about the prom: “Do you think it will be possible to just enjoy it as an event?”
“I think we’ll still have fun,” Tate said.
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