New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said he will not receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Trump in the wake of last week’s riot at the Capitol.
Belichick, who has previously spoken publicly about his friendship with the president, is said to receive the country’s highest civilian honor after Trump presented it more than a week ago. That was before a mob of supporters of the president besieged the Capitol, killing five people.
“Recently, I had the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which made me feel flattered in respect for what the honor represents and in admiration for previous recipients,” Belichick said in a statement. “Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and it was decided not to proceed with the prize.”
News of Belichick’s offer didn’t get out until Sunday, raising questions as to whether the most accomplished coach in football history would assist his friend amid the controversy.
While not naming Trump in Belichick’s statement, the decision amounts to a sharp rebuke to a president who has faced calls from Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans to be removed from office. His decision comes just days after Trump awarded the medal to Gary Player and Annika Sorenstam, two of the greatest golfers of all time. Player and Sorenstam have been criticized for interacting with the president in the wake of recent events.
Belichick said he knows he represents his family and the patriots as well, adding that one of the most rewarding parts of his professional career has been the social justice team’s efforts over the past year. “Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, the team and the country I love outweigh the benefits of an individual award,” he said.
The linchpin of Belichick came when the pockets of the sports world that supported Trump rushed into office during his final days to distance themselves from the president. At the end of Sunday, the PGA of America pulled the prestigious 2022 PGA Championship from Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, with the organization’s president Jim Richerson saying: PGA of America. Brand.”
On Monday, the R&A, the body that oversees events such as the British Open, said it had no plans to host its championships at Trump’s Scottish golf resort, which has hosted four British Opens and two Women’s British Opens, ‘until we are convinced to be. that the focus will be on the championship. “
Belichick’s close connection to Trump has been visible to the public for a while. When Trump first ran for president in 2016, he read aloud a letter from Belichick praising him at a rally, prompting the football coach to describe his “ loyalty ” to the president.
‘I think anyone who has spent more than five minutes with me knows that I am not a political person. My comments are not politically motivated, “Belichick said in 2016.” I have a friendship and loyalty to Donald. ”
Belichick, aged 68, has coached the Patriots since 2000. He has won six Super Bowls, the most of any coach in NFL history. The son of a naval veteran, he spent much of his childhood at the United States Naval Academy, where his father was a football coach.
Write to Andrew Beaton at [email protected] and Louise Radnofsky at [email protected]
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