Bill Belichick Turns Down Presidential Medal of Freedom

Tracy Davenport

Sports

13th January 2021

Bill Belichick Turns Down Presidential Medal of Freedom

Belichick cited the Capitol riots as his reason (Getty Images).

The Claim

Patriots Coach Bill Belichick turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

News posted on

Emerging story

According to social media, Bill Belichick has declined Trump’s Presidential Medal of Freedom offer.

Misbar’s Analysis

Misbar has discovered that New England Patriots Football head coach Bill Belichick has announced he is declining the Presidential Medal of Freedom according to CNN.com. He was scheduled to receive the award from President Trump on January 14, 2021.

According to NFL.com, while Coach Belichick appreciated the honor, he would need to decline in light of the recent deadly riot at the Capitol: "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. Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award."

A White House official told CBS News they were told about Belichick's decision before the Patriots released a statement. The White House declined to comment in response to it.