Political News – Bill Belichick Declines Presidential Medal of Freedom
Bill Belichick is usually preparing for a playoff game at this time of the year, but this week, the New England Patriots head coach was scheduled to be in Washington to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump. Belichick, though, has decided to decline the award he was set to receive on Thursday.
The NFL coach mentioned the events at the Capitol last week and how that played a role in his decision not to accept the award. Belichick said, “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. 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.”
Belichick made political news back in 2016 when he sent a letter of support to President Donald Trump. Back then, he claimed that the letter was in no way intended to be a political statement, but rather a show of support for someone that he considers to be a friend.
In the wake of the events at the Capitol, Bill Belichick has been asked to decline the Presidential medal of Freedom by a growing number of people, including Massachusetts Representative Jim McGovern.
The decision is sure to be another blow for the President, who reportedly enjoys the pomp and circumstance around the awards ceremonies. He has most recently presented this particular award to friends and allies, including those who came to his defense during the impeachment hearings. Whether that also had an impact on the decision made by Bill Belichick remains to be seen, although it does appear that last week’s events were the main impetus for declining the award.
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