New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced Monday that he refused to accept a Presidential Medal for Freedom from President Trump, citing last week’s deadly revolt in the US Chapter. Mr. Trump was to pay the highest civilian honor to the 68-year-old this week, a White House official told CBS News earlier.
A White House official told CBS News that they were told about Belichick’s decision before the Patriots released a statement. The White House declined to comment in response.
Belichick said in a statement obtained by CBS News that he was “flattered” by the possibility of receiving the medal, but the assault in the Capitol, which many accused Mr. Trump of inciting, changed his mind. ESPN was the first to report on Belichick’s statement.
“Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision was made not to go further with the award,” he said. “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 team represent me,” he added. “One of the most satisfying things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership of our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions. Continuing these efforts while remaining faithful to the people, the team and the country they love outweigh the benefits of any individual award. “
Adam Glanzman / Getty Images
As Trump ends 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, is said to have been the fifth public figure to receive the medal since a violent crowd stormed the Chapter last week.
Three of the winners – former golfers Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player and Babe Zaharias – received the medal on Thursday, less than 24 hours after the riot. Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, a staunch ally of Trump, received the medal on Monday.
Many of the critics and parliamentarians on both sides they accused the president of stirring up the crowd. House Democrats on Monday unveiled an indictment resolution, accusing Trump of “inciting an insurrection” in connection with the January 6 attack.
At least one local MP said earlier on Monday that he believed Belichick should stay away from the medal. Congressman Jim McGovern, a Democrat representing Massachusetts, told CNN that Belichick should refuse him.
“Bill Belichick should do the right thing and say ‘No, thank you’ … accept this as shameful,” he said.
Mr. Trump thinks of Belichick and considers the legendary coach a friend. During the summer, Mr. Trump praised Belichick and even joked that he would ask for military advice after being asked if Belichick or Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady had a better chance of winning the Super Bowl this year.
“This guy just knows how to win … You know, if I ever had a military battle, I’d call Belichick and say what you think? What do you think? Give me some ideas,” he said. radio presenter Hugh Hewitt.
Belichick was also recently reappointed to Mr. Trump’s Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Council in December, CBS Boston reported. The council’s goal is to “increase participation in sports among young people of all backgrounds and abilities and to promote healthy and active lifestyles for all Americans,” according to its website.
Kristin Brown contributed to this report.