Bill Belichick Turns Down Donald Trump’s Presidential Medal of Freedom

Some of the most powerful figures in sports are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump during his final days in office. New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is the latest to do so, declining to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Belichick had been ready to receive the highest honor that can be awarded to a civilian Thursday. He will no longer travel to Washington D.C. in light of last week’s riot at the Capitol.

“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,” Belichick said in a statement.

“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.”

The legendary football coach and Trump had a friendship that predates the president’s time in office. Shortly before the 2016 election, Trump revealed that he received a letter of encouragement from Belichick, who said his comments were “not politically motivated.”

“I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team,” Belichick said in his statement Monday. “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.”

Tom Brady, who won six Super Bowl titles with Belichick as the Patriots’ quarterback, was spotted with a “Make American Great Again” hat in his locker in 2015. Two years later, Trump “expressed disappointment” that Brady had distanced himself from the president, according to The New York Times.

Trump has taken aim at NFL players for kneeling during the pre-game national anthem, calling them disparaging names and asking for them to be released. Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a longtime Trump supporter, had a falling out with the president over the issue.

At times, Trump has publicly mocked declining NFL ratings, though the league continues to thrive in terms of viewership.

On Sunday, the PGA of America announced that it would no longer hold the 2022 PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.