Although the New England Patriots are not playing in the National Football League (NFL) playoffs for the first time in 12 seasons, the team has been in the spotlight in recent days on behalf of its head coach, Bill Belichick.
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And it is that, on January 10, it was known that the President of the United States, Donald Trump, wanted to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Belichick, but the coach’s response was not as expected.
Belichick announced that he refuses recognition in an official statement, which was posted on the Twitter account of sports journalist Adam Schefter.
Rejection
The reason for rejecting this sought-after distinction was the chaos that was experienced in the US capital, Washington DC, on Wednesday, January 6, the coach said in a statement. That day, supporters of Donald Trump staged indignations and violent clashes with the city’s security forces.
In addition, they took the Chapter and entered Congress.
“I was flattered by the offer out of respect for the honor and admiration represented by the previous recipients. But the tragic events of last week took place and the decision was made not to continue with the award“The coach wrote.
Above all, I am an American citizen with great respect for the values, freedom and democracy of our nation.
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“One of the most satisfying things in my professional career took place in 2020, when, through a great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights have come to the fore and turned into actions”, A conchis El.
Continuing those efforts, remaining true to the people, the team and the country they 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
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Who is Bill Belichick?
The 68-year-old Belichick has just finished his 46th season in the NFL and his 21st as Patriots head coach.
Under his leadership, the Patriots won six Super Bowl championships, joining George Halas and Curly Lambeau as the only six-time coach in 1933.
Belichick’s 311 victories (obtained in the regular season and in the playoffs) are the third best point of all time, behind Don Shula (347) and George Halas (324).
(Also: Parler, the social network used by Trump supporters).
Belichick’s relationship with Trump took place in the news a few days before the latter was elected president in November 2016.
At a campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, Trump read a letter to the crowd that he said Belichick had sent him.
According to Trump, the letter read: “Congratulations on a great campaign. You dealt with incredibly biased and negative media. Still, you came out great. You have proven to be the best competitor and fighter. Your leadership is amazing. “
I have always had great respect for you, but the toughness and perseverance you have shown this year (2016) is remarkable.
“We hope the election results will provide an opportunity to make America great again. Best wishes. Bill Belichick, “concluded President Trump’s letter.
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The sender later told reporters that he wrote the letter out of friendship and loyalty: “Our friendship goes back many years and I think anyone who has spent more than five minutes with me knows that I am not a politician“, The coach clarified then.
The comments are not politically motivated. I have friendship and loyalty to Donald
What does the Presidential Medal of Freedom mean?
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established by John F. Kennedy in 1963 and is awarded by the President of the United States to persons who have made exceptional contributions to the security of the country’s national interests, to world peace or culture, with important contributions in the public or private sector.
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Trump recently selected several sports figures and political supporters for honor, including Belichick. Others were Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player (Hall of Fame golfers) and Babe Didrikson Zaharias (late Olympian), who received the presidential medal of freedom on Thursday, January 7.
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* With information from EFE