New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick will not accept the Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump, per a statement from Belichick on Monday evening.
Belichick did not mention Trump by name in the 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,” Belichick wrote. “Subsequently, the tragic events of the 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.