New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has said he will not receive the presidential medal for President Trump’s release following last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol.
Belichick, who has previously spoken publicly about his friendship with the president, should receive the nation’s highest civilian honor after Trump offered it more than a week ago. That was before a crowd of supporters of the president besieged the Capitol, leaving five people dead.
“Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which flattered me out of respect for what it represents honor and admiration for previous recipients,” Belichick said in a statement. “Subsequently, the tragic events of last week took place and the decision was made not to go ahead with the award.”
News of the offer to Belichick only surfaced on Sunday and raised questions about whether the most accomplished coach in football history would be with his friend amid controversy.
While Belichick’s statement did not mention Trump by name, the decision amounts to a strong rebuke from a president who has faced calls from Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans to be removed from office. His decision comes just days after Trump awarded the medal to Gary Player and Annika Sorenstam, two of the best golfers of all time. Player and Sorenstam have faced criticism for associating with the president in the wake of recent events.