The New England Patriots have yet to play in the United States National Football League (NFL) playoffs for the first time in 12 seasons. the team has been in the spotlight in recent days on behalf of its head coach, Bill Belichick.
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On January 10, it became known that the President of the United States, Donald Trump, wanted to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Belichick, but the coach’s response was not as expected.
Belichick announced that it was declining recognition through an official statement, Which was posted on the Twitter account of sports journalist Adam Schefter.
the rejection
The reason for rejecting this quoted distinction was the chaos that was experienced in the American capital, Washington DC, last Wednesday, January 6, the coach said in the statement. On that day, supporters of Donald Trump starred in excessive and violent clashes with the city’s security forces.
In addition, they took the Capitol and forcibly entered Congress.
“I was flattered by the offer out of respect for the honor and admiration represented by the previous recipients happen the tragic events of last week and the decision was made not to go ahead with the award“, Wrote the coach.
Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for the values, freedom, and democracy of our nation.
(You can also read: Trump says his speech before the takeover at the Capitol was appropriate).
“One of the most rewarding things in my career took place in 2020, when, through great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality, and human rights came to the fore and became actions“He concluded.
Continuing with these efforts, while remaining loyal to the people, team, and country I love, outweighs the benefits of any individual award.
HC Bill Belichick of the Patriots will not travel to Washington or accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he announced today. pic.twitter.com/uvLLigFlHU
– Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2021
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Who is Bill Belichick?
Belichick, 68, has just finished his 46th season in the NFL, and his twenty-first as head coach of the Patriots.
Under his leadership, the Patriots have won six Super Bowl championships, joining George Hales and Curly Lambeau as the only coaches with six titles since 1933.
Belichick’s 311 wins (obtained in the regular season and in the play-offs) is the third best mark of all time, behind Don Shula (347) and George Hales (324).
(Also: Parler, the social network used by Trump supporters).
Belichick’s connection to Trump was in the news days before the latter was elected president, in November 2016.
At a campaign rally in Manchester, New Hampshire (USA), Trump read a letter to the crowd that Belichick had sent him.
The letter, according to Trump, said: “Congratulations on a tremendous campaign. You’ve dealt with incredibly biased and negative media. Still, you came out wonderful. You have proven to be the best competitor and fighter. Your leadership is amazing. “
I have always had great respect for you, but the toughness and perseverance you have shown during this year (2016) is remarkable
“We hope the election results give us a chance to make the United States great again. My best wishes. Bill Belichick,” concluded the letter President Trump read.
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The sender later told reporters that he wrote the letter out of friendship and loyalty: “Our friendship goes back many years and I think anyone who has spent more than five minutes with me knows that I am not a political person“, Clarified at the time the coach.
The comments have no political motivations. I have friendship and loyalty to Donald
What does the Presidential Medal of Freedom mean?
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established by John F. Kennedy in 1963 and is awarded by the President of the USA. UU. to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security of the country’s national interests, To world peace or culture, with important contributions in the public or private sector.
(Also read: Radical Forums are preparing another takeover of the U.S. Capitol, according to the FBI).
Trump had recently selected several sports figures and political sponsors for the honor, including Belichick. Others were Annika Sörenstam, Gary Player (Hall of Fame golfers) and Babe Didrikson Zaharias (deceased Olympic player), who they received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Thursday, January 7th.
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* With information from EFE