Belichick won't accept Medal of Freedom from President Trump
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced Monday he won't accept an invitation to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
It was reported Sunday that President Donald Trump intended to bestow the highest civilian honor in the United States to Belichick on Thursday.
However, the Patriots head coach said "the tragic events of last week" led him to decide "not to move forward with the award."
Patriots’ HC Bill Belichick will not be traveling to Washington nor accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he announced today. pic.twitter.com/uvLLigFlHU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2021
The White House was made aware of Belichick's decision, according to CNN's Jim Acosta.
Rioters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday in support of Trump's bid to overturn November's election in which Joe Biden triumphed over the incumbent Republican.
Belichick previously wrote a letter supporting Trump's bid for the presidency in 2016.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is given to "individuals 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.