Patriots' Bill Belichick declines Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump, says he has 'great reverence' for democracy
Steve Gardner | USA TODAY
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has turned down an opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump.
The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach said in a statement released Monday night that while he was “flattered” by the offer, “the tragic events of last week occurred, and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award.
“Above all, I’m an American citizen with great reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy,” he said.
Belichick has been a longtime Trump supporter, even writing a letter of congratulations that Trump displayed on the campaign trail before he was elected president in 2016. Belichick has also served on the president's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition since 2018.
However, when word of Trump’s plans to award the Patriots coach the Medal of Freedom was first reported by Politico on Sunday – just four days after thousands of Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol in a clash that resulted in five deaths – Belichick began facing significant public pressure to turn down the honor.
Golfers Gary Player and Annika Sorenstam received the Medal of Freedom on Thursday in a private White House ceremony. But Belichick ultimately declined.
“One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions,” Belichick said. “Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country that I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award.”
Via PakapNews