Annapolis native Belichick refuses Medal of Freedom from Trump
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has declined to receive the PresidentialMedal of Freedom from President Donald Trump.
Multiple media reports, citing a White House official, reported that Trump planned to present the award to Belichick during a ceremony Thursday. However, the event had not been added to the president’s official schedule and therewas uncertainty whether Belichickwould participate.
Belichick, who grew up in Annapolis, issued a statement Monday night announcing hewould not accept the honor.
“Recently, I was offered an 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,” Belichick
Belichick grew up in Annapolis as the son of a longtime Navy football coach and physical education professor.
wrote inthe statement. “Subsequently, the tragic events of lastweek occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award.”
Belichick added that “above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy” and noted that he also represents his family and theNewEngland Patriots.
Belichick said one of the most rewarding experiences of his careercamein2020 when conversations among the Patriots about social justice, equality and human rights“movedtothe forefrontandbecame actions.”
“Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award,” hewrote.
Belichick would have been the latest in a long line of sports figures to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump. Just last week, Trump presented the award to golfers Annika Sorenstam, GaryPlayerandthe lateBabe Zaharias ina private ceremony held Thursday, a day after the Capitol riot.
Presidents have sole discretion to award the honor, which was established by President John F. Kennedy, to people “who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors,” according to the White House.
By allowing the White House to make public plans to present Belichick with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Trump drew the future Hall of Fame coach into controversy.
The 45th president of theUnited States is facing a second impeachment from the House of Representatives for his role in inciting the riot at the U. S. Capitol. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote in a letter to colleagues that Democrats will first introduce a resolution calling for Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution to remove Trump fromoffice.
Trumphas long been an ardent admirer of Belichick, stating during a radio interview last summer he would accept military advice from the Patriots coach because he is such a brilliant tactician.
“You know, if I ever had a military battle, I’d call up Belichick and say, ‘ What do you think. What do you think? Giveme a couple of ideas,’” Trump said on the HughHewitt Show.
Belichick, who the president described as a “very good friend,” would “be as good as any general out there,” Trump said.
Asked later to respond, Belichick said hewas flattered by the president’s remark while adding “I’ll just stick to coaching football.”
Belichick joined Patriots owner Robert Kraft at the podium alongside Trump whenthePatriots visited theWhiteHouse after capturing their sixth Super Bowl championship in 2017. Belichick presented the president with a replica of the helmet the team wore in Super Bowl LI when New England beat the Atlanta Falcons, 34- 28.
Trump praised Belichick as the son of a Navy veteran during that event. “He’s just a very special guy. He’s tough, he’s smart, and he’s got a great heart,” Trump said.
Trump also told a story from the 2016 campaign when he said Belichick wrote a “beautiful letter” congratulating him for his victories in the Republican primaries. When Trump asked to read the letter at a New Hampshire rally the night before the general election, Belichick senthiman even more glowing one to read, Trump said.
Trump read the letter at a rally in Manchester to cheers fromthe crowd.
“Congratulations on a tremendous campaign. You have dealt with an unbelievable, slanted and negative media and have come out beautifully,” Trump said Belichick wrote to him. “You’ve proved to be the ultimate competitor and fighter. Your leadership is amazing. I have always had tremendous respect for you, but the toughness and perseverance you have displayed over the past year is remarkable. Hopefully tomorrow’s election results will give the opportunity to make America great again.”
Last month, Trump appointed Belichick to a second two- year term on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
Belichick grew up in Annapolis as the son of a longtime Navy football coach and physical education professor. Steve Belichick was an assistant at Navy from 1956 through 1989 under seven different head coaches.
Bill Belichick is a 1970 graduate of Annapolis High, where he played football and lacrosse.
The younger Belichick maintained a close bond with the Naval Academy and Navy football program while ascending the coaching ranks. He is widely considered one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history alongside the likes of Vince Lombardi and Don Shula.
Belichick boasts a career record of 310- 147 and has led the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships. The 68- yearold is a three- time Associated Press Coach of the Year and member of the NFL100th Anniversary All- Time Team.