New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick announced on Monday that he had refused to accept President Trump’s Presidential Medal of Freedom, citing last week’s deadly turmoil on U.S. Capitol Hill. Trump was chosen to pay the highest civilian tribute to the 68-year-old man this week, a White House official previously told CBS News.
A White House official told CBS News that they were informed of Belichick’s decision before the Patriots issued a statement. The White House declined to comment in response to this.
Belichick said in a statement obtained by CBS News that he was “flattered” to have the opportunity to receive the medal, but the invasion of the Capitol, which many accused Trump of inciting, changed his mind. ESPN was the first to report in the Belichick statement.
“Subsequently, last week’s tragic events occurred and it was decided not to proceed with the sentence,” he said. “Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy.”
“I know that I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team,” he added. “One of the most rewarding things about my professional career happened in 2020, when, through great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights came to the fore and became actions. people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award. “
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As Trump ends his final days as president, he planned to award Belichick the Medal of Freedom on Thursday, a White House official told CBS News. Belichick, who won six Super Bowls as the Patriots’ head coach, would be the fifth public figure to receive the medal since a violent crowd invaded the Capitol last week.
Three of the honorees – 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, Trump’s strong ally, received the medal on Monday.
Many of Mr. Trump’s critics and legislators from both parties blamed the president for inciting the crowd. House Democrats released an impeachment resolution on Monday accusing Trump of “inciting an insurrection” linked to the January 6 attack.
At least one local lawmaker said on Monday that he believed Belichick should stay away from the medal. Congressman Jim McGovern, a Democrat who represents Massachusetts, told CNN that Belichick should refuse.
“Bill Belichick should do the right thing and say, ‘No thanks,’ … accept that as shameful,” he said.
Mr. Trump holds Belichick in high regard and considers the legendary coach a friend. Over the summer, Trump praised Belichick and even joked that he would seek him out for military advice, after being asked whether Belichick or Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady would have a better chance of winning this year’s Super Bowl.
“This guy just knows how to win … You know, if I had a military battle, would I call Belichick and say what you think? What do you think? Give me some ideas,” he said radio host Hugh Hewitt.
Belichick was also recently renamed 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.