The New England Patriots coach lived up to the team nickname.
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been a noteworthy supporter of President Trump, who was set to award the 6-time Super Bowl champion* the nation’s highest civilian honor. In light of last week’s events, he has respectfully declined. NPR (“Patriots Coach Belichick Refuses Presidential Medal After Violence At Capitol”): New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick, who had been expected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom later this week, has instead declined the honor, citing last week’s violence at the Capitol. “Recently I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients,” the six-time Super Bowl legend and early Trump supporter said in a statement reported the National Football League late Monday. “Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award.” “Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy. I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team,” the statement read. The president announced he would give Belichick the nation’s highest civilian honor this week, days after pro-Trump protesters stormed into the Capitol Building in Washington, D.
