Trump recently selected various sports figures and political sponsors for this honor; Belichick did not accept it.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The president of the USA intends to hand over the coach of the team New England Patriots, Bill Belichick, Presidential Medal of Freedom on Thursday, confirmed a White House official ABC News.
A few minutes after announcing the intention of the presidential office, the head coach Bill Belichick has announced that he will not receive the award and will not travel to Washington. In a statement, the coach left his position on this:
“Recently, I was given the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, so I was flattered with respect for what is an honor and admiration for previous recipients. Subsequently, the tragic events of last week took place and the decision was made not to continue with the award “.
“Above all, I am an American citizen with great respect for the values, freedom and democracy of our nation. I know my family and the New England Patriots also represent me. One of the most satisfying things in my career took place in 2020, when, through a special leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights came to the fore and turned into action.
“Continuing these efforts by staying true to the people, the team and the country I love outweighs the benefits of any individual award.”
HC Bill Belichick of the Patriots will not travel to Washington and will not accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he announced today. pic.twitter.com/uvLLigFlHU
– Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2021
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established by John F. Kennedy in 1963, and is awarded by the President to persons who have made exceptional contributions to the national security interests of the country, to world or cultural peace or to other significant public or private efforts.
Trump recently selected various sports figures and political sponsors for the honor. Hall of Fame players Annika Sorenstam and Gary Player, along with the late Olympic Babe Didrikson Zaharias, received the medal.
Belichick, 68, just finished his 46th NFL season and his 21st as Patriots head coach. He led the franchise to six Super Bowl championships, joining George HLAS and Curly Lambeau as the only six since the league had a postseason in 1933.
Belichick’s 311 wins (regular season and playoffs combined) are the third all-time record behind Don Shuula (347) and Halas (324).
Belichick’s connection to Trump took place in the news before Trump’s election in November 2016.
Belichick has served on the President’s Council for Sports, Fitness and Nutrition since 2018.
political he first reported on Trump’s plans to present him with the Bill Belichick medal.