Bill Belichick Rejects Trump's Medal Of Freedom Offer

FOXBOROUGH, MA — New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Monday he will not accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump, calling the offer flattering but citing American values and last week's U.S. Capitol siege in turning the president down.

"Recently, I was offered to 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," Belichick said in a statement Monday night. "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 said talking about social justice with members of the Patriots contributed to his decision.

"I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team," he continued. "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. Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award."

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the country's highest civilian honor. Belichick was scheduled to receive the award Thursday, even though House Democrats made it clear Trump could be impeached for a second time by then.

Belichick, who has shared a long friendship with Trump, was pressured to decline the offer in the aftermath of the deadly riots at the U.S. Capitol last week.

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts) was among those who said Belichick should turn Trump down.

"I would refuse it if I were Bill Belichick," McGovern told CNN Monday. "This president has made a mockery of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Look at who he is giving it to in the last weeks, people like Devin Nunez and Jim Jordan ... Bill Belichick should do the right thing and say, 'No thanks.'"

McGovern, who represents much of central Massachusetts in the state's 2nd Congressional District, said he would be disappointed if Belichick accepted the award.

"This president is not fit to be in office," he said. "Anything he would bestow on anybody is meaningless and to accept it is disgraceful."

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey agreed.

"At a time when so many athletes and coaches are standing up for what’s right, I hope Bill Belichick will reject this award," she tweeted.

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) also said Belichick should reject the offer, pointing out on Boston Public Radio that Trump could be impeached Thursday.

Belichick hasn't publicly commented on his friendship with Trump in recent years, but he did write a flattering letter to the then-candidate that Trump read at a Manchester, New Hampshire, rally the night before the 2016 presidential election.

Belichick and some players met Trump at the White House after the team beat the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl in 2017. The team didn't travel to the White House after beating the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl in 2019.