Bill Belichick, head coach of the New England Patriots, announced Monday that he has refused to accept a presidential freedom medal from President Trump, citing the deadly riot at the U.S. capital last week. Mr. Trump would give the 68-year-old the highest civilian honor this week, a White House official told CBS News earlier.
Belichick said in a statement obtained by CBS News that he was “flattered” to receive the medal, but the storm of the Capitol, which many people accused Trump of inciting, changed his mind. . ESPN first reported about Belichick’s statement.
“Subsequently, the tragic events of last week took place and it was decided not to proceed with the award,” he said. “Above all, I am an American citizen with great respect for the values, freedom and democracy of our country.”
“I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team,” he added. “One of the most rewarding things in my career took place in 2020 when conversations about social justice, equality and human rights came to the fore and turned into actions. Continuing these efforts, while being faithful to people, team and country of which I holds, outweighs the benefits of any individual award. ‘
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While Mr. Trump has completed his last days as president, he plans to award the Medal of Freedom to Belichick on Thursday, a White House official told CBS News. Belichick, who has won six Super Bowls as head coach of the Patriots, would have been the fifth public figure to receive the medal since a violent mob stormed the Capitol last week.
Three competitors – former golfers Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player and Babe Zaharias – were awarded the medal less than 24 hours after the riot on Thursday. Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, a staunch ally of Trump, received the medal on Monday.
Lots of mr. Trump’s critics legislators from both parties blamed the president for raising the mob. House Democrats on Monday released an indictment in which Trump is accused of “inciting an uprising” related to the January 6 attack.
At least one local lawmaker said earlier Monday he believes Belichick should stay away from the medal. Congressman Jim McGovern, a Democrat representing Massachusetts, told CNN that Belichick should refuse it.
“Bill Belichick has to do the right thing and say, ‘No thank you,’ … to accept it as shameful,” he said.
Mr. Trump thinks a lot of Belichick and considers the legendary coach a friend. During the summer, Mr. Trump praised Belichick and even joked that he would seek military advice after being asked if Tom Brady, Belichick or Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have a better chance of winning the Super Bowl this year.
“This guy just knows how to win … You know, if I were to ever wage a military battle, I would call Belichick and say what do you think? What do you think? Give me some ideas,” he said. radio host Hugh Hewitt.
Belichick was also recently reappointed to Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition in December, CBS Boston reported. The council’s goal is to “increase sports participation among youth of all backgrounds and abilities and promote a healthy and active lifestyle for all Americans,” according to its website.
Kristin Brown contributed to this report.