New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced on Monday that he will not accept Donald Trump’s Presidential Medal of Freedom, citing the violent riots on the U.S. Capitol incited by Trump.
Belichick said in a statement that while he was flattered by what the honor represents and his admiration for prior recipients, “…the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award.”
“Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy,” the New England Patriots head coach stated.
The White House on Sunday announced President Donald Trump will present one of the nation’s highest civilian honors to Belichick, the only coach to win six Super Bowl titles.
The presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Belichick was expected Thursday, according to Politico.
Read Belichick full statement below:
Patriots’ HC Bill Belichick will not be traveling to Washington nor accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he announced today. pic.twitter.com/uvLLigFlHU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2021
