New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announced Monday that he has declined to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, citing the “tragic events” of the past week.
“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 in a statement posted by ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.
“Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award.”
Patriots’ HC Bill Belichick will not be traveling to Washington nor accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he announced today. pic.twitter.com/uvLLigFlHU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2021
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The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and
