Bill Belichick, head coach of the New England Patriots, announced on Monday that he has refused to accept a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Trump, citing last week’s deadly riot at the Capitol. Trump would give highest civilian honor to the 68-year-old this week, a White House official had previously told CBS News.
A White House official told CBS News they were made aware of Belichick’s decision before the patriots issued a statement. The White House declined to comment.
Belichick said in a statement obtained by CBS News that he was “flattered” to be given the chance to receive the medal, but the storming of the Capitol, many of which has accused Mr. Trump of sedition, changed his mind. ESPN was the first to report on Belichick’s statement.
“Subsequently, the tragic events of last week took place and it was decided not to proceed with the prize,” he said. “Most of all, I am an American citizen with great respect for the values, freedom and democracy of our country.”
“I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team,” he added. “One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights came to the fore and became actions. Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the The people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of an individual award. “
Adam Glanzman / Getty Images
As Trump ends his last days as president, he planned to present 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, would be the fifth public figure to receive the medal since a violent crowd stormed the Capitol last week.
Three of the honorees – former golfers Annika Sorenstam, Gary Player and Babe Zaharias – were awarded the medal on Thursday, less than 24 hours after the riot. Republican Congressman Jim Jordan, a staunch ally of Trump, received the medal Monday.
Many of the critics from Mr. Trump and legislators of both parties have blamed the president for stirring up the crowd. House Democrats on Monday unveiled an impeachment resolution accusing Mr. Trump of “instigating an uprising” in connection with the January 6 attack.
At least one local lawmaker said earlier on Monday that he felt Belichick should stay away from the medal. Congressman Jim McGovern, a Democrat representing Massachusetts, told CNN Belichick should refuse it.
“Bill Belichick should do the right thing and say ‘No thanks’… To accept it as a shame,” he said.
Mr. Trump greatly appreciates Belichick and regards the legendary coach as a friend. Over the summer, Mr. Trump praised Belichick and even joked that he would ask him 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 do you think? What do you think? Give me some ideas,” he told radio host Hugh Hewitt.
Belichick was also recently reappointed to Mr. Trump’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition in December, CBS Boston reported. The council’s goal is to “increase sports participation among youth of all backgrounds and abilities and promote healthy and active lifestyles for all Americans,” the website said.
Kristin Brown contributed to this report.