Patriots head coach Invoice Belichick won’t settle for the Presidential Medal of Freedom later this week, the coach said in a statement Monday night.
Belichick stated that the “tragic occasions of final week” made him determine “to not transfer ahead with the award.”
“Above all, I’m an American citizen with nice reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy,” Belichick stated within the assertion. “I do know I additionally characterize my household and the New England Patriots group. One of the crucial rewarding issues in my skilled profession occurred in 2020 when, by the nice management inside our group, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and have become actions.
“Persevering with these efforts whereas remaining true to the folks, group and nation I really like outweigh the advantages of any particular person award.”
Politico’s Meridith McGraw first reported information of Belichick being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Sunday night time. President Trump had deliberate to offer Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Thursday, simply over one week after the rebel on the U.S. Capitol, which left 5 folks useless together with a Capitol Police officer.
Belichick, 68, had beforehand spoken publicly about his friendship with the president, and he had agreed to obtain the honour after Trump provided it to him over every week in the past, according to the Wall Street Journal’s Andrew Beaton.
On Monday, quite a few politicians urged the Patriots coach to say no accepting the award, together with from Consultant Jim McGovern (D-Ma.) who known as accepting it “disgraceful.”
“Invoice Belichick ought to do the correct factor and say, ‘No thanks,’” he told The Hill newspaper.
Senator Ed Markey (D-Ma.) additionally stated Monday that Belichick ought to flip down the award, telling Boston Public Radio that “That might be the day that Donald Trump is being impeached in the USA Home of Representatives for inciting an insurgency towards the USA.”
New England proprietor, Robert Kraft, has additionally been a long-time buddy of President Trump and former star Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has performed golf with the forty fifth President on a number of events.
When Trump hosted Belichick and the Patriots in April 2017, shortly after New England gained Tremendous Bowl LI over the Falcons, New England introduced Trump a customized Tremendous Bowl ring.
Belichick has been the coach of the Patriots since 2000.
