1-11-2021
New England Patriots players refuse to attend White House ceremony with Trump.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick turns down Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump.
NFL great said he could no longer accept award after Capitol violence.
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump.
The NFL veteran, who is the only coach with six Super Bowl wins, had been set to get the award from the outgoing president on Thursday.
But he said that following the violence at the US Capitol Building last week he could no longer accept it.
“Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honour represents and admiration for prior recipients,”
said Mr Belichick in a statement.
“Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not
to move forward with the award.”
Mr Belichick, 68, would have received the nation’s highest civilian award as Democrats move to impeach Mr Trump over the violence that left five people dead.
Golfers Gary Player and Annika Sorenstam have come under fire for receiving the same award the day after the storming of the Capitol Building
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