Patriots’ Belichick will not accept Presidential Medal of Freedom

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Monday night that he will not receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, saying “remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award.”

In a one-paragraph statement, the six-time Super Bowl winning coach did not say explicitly that he had turned down the offer from President Donald Trump, instead explaining “the decision has been made not to move forward with the award” in the wake of the siege on the U.S. 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 coach said.

“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.”

Although he describes himself as apolitical, Belichick wrote Trump a letter during the 2016 presidential campaign that the candidate read aloud at a rally. Belichick has said that he and the President are friends.

Cowboys

Former Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn has reached agreement with Dallas to become the team’s next defensive coordinator.

Packers

Veteran offensive tackle Jared Veldheer will sign with the Packers. Veldheer, 33, started at left tackle for the Indianapolis Colts Saturday in their wild-card playoff game against the Ravens. He would be the first player to play postseason games for two different playoff teams in the same season if he appears in the Packers’ divisional playoff game against the Rams Saturday.

Bills

Running back Zack Moss will miss the remainder of the postseason with an ankle injury. Moss injured his ankle in the team’s 27-24 victory Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts. Buffalo’s second-leading rusher, Moss totaled 576 yards of offense and five touchdowns during his rookie season.

Bears

Receiver Allen Robinson can’t say what jersey he’ll be wearing when the 2021 NFL season begins next fall. A day after Robinson and the Bears suffered a season-ending 21-9 playoff loss to the Saints, Robinson said he will be keeping an open mind as he waits his next contract.

Raiders

Running back Josh Jacobs, who was involved in a single-car crash last week, will not face DUI charges.