Belichick will not go ahead on medal

Patriots coach Bill Belichick has turned down an opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump.

The six- time Super Bowl- winning coach said in a statement released Monday night that while he was “flattered” by the offer, “the tragic events of last week occurred, and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award. Above all, I'm an American citizen with great reverence for our nation's values, freedom and democracy,” he said.

Belichick has been a longtime Trump supporter, writing a letter of congratulations Trump displayed on the campaign trail before he was elected president in 2016. He's also served on the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition since 2018.

Trump's plans to award the Medal of Freedom was first reported by Politico on Sunday, just four days after thousands of Trump supporters invaded the U. S. Capitol.

“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 moved to the forefront and became actions,” Belichick said. “Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country that I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award.”