New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is declining to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump.
Belichick, who has previously shared about his friendship with Trump, released a statement on Monday, where he wrote, “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.”
However, he continued to note that he cannot accept the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from the president after protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol last week — which resulted in at least five people dead from the riot.
“Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award,” Belichick said. “Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy.”
Belichick has won six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots. He has been the head coach since 2000. He was scheduled to receive the medal on Thursday.
See Belichick’s full statement below:
Patriots’ HC Bill Belichick will not be traveling to Washington nor accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he announced today. pic.twitter.com/uvLLigFlHU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2021
Ahead of Belichick’s statement, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) told CNN’s John Berman on Monday, “I would refuse it if I were Bill Belichick.”
The lawmaker continued, “This president has made a mockery of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Look at who he is giving it to in the last weeks — people like Devin Nunes and Jim Jordan — I mean, please. Bill Belichick should do the right thing and say: ‘No thanks.'”
Trump awarded Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), an ally in Congress, the Medal of Freedom on Monday. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) received the award last week.