NFL legend Bill Belichick snubs Donald Trump’s offer of Presidential Medal of Freedom after Capitol riots

The Patriots visited the White House following their 2017 Super Bowl win
AFP via Getty Images
Malik Ouzia @MalikOuzia_12 January 2021

Legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick has snubbed Donald Trump’s offer of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the wake of last week’s riots on the US Capitol.

Belichick is the most successful coach in the league’s history, having led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowls.

The 68-year-old has previously spoken of his friendship with the president, who read out a letter of support from the Patriots coach at a campaign rally in New England in 2016. 

Belichick said in a statement the was initially “flattered” to be offered the award, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a US citizen. However, he said last week’s events in Washington, where a mob of Trump supporters invaded the Capitol in a bid to halt congress’ efforts to ratify the result of November’s election, had caused him to reject the award.

“Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honour represents and admiration for priori recipients,” the statement read.

“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.”

Trump has often been at loggerheads with the NFL during his presidency, most notably in his heavy criticism of players taking the knee in demonstrations against racial injustice during the playing of the national anthem.

Those protests intensified this year in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and in his statement, Belichick hinted that that incident had also played a role in his thinking.

“One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within out team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions,” the statement added.

“Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award.”

Golfers Tiger Woods and Gary Player are among those to have accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom during Trump’s tenure, but this week their sport has also turned against the outgoing president.

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