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New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick won't accept Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Monday that he will not be accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom that Donald Trump planned to present to him on Thursday.

Belichick explained his decision in a statement.

"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.