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Unique England Patriots Coach Invoice Belichick stated on Monday that he has declined to catch the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump due to the professional-Trump insurrection and insurrection on the U.S. Capitol final week.
“Fair no longer too lengthy within the past, I became equipped the opportunity to to find the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I became flattered by out of admire for what the distinction represents and admiration for prior recipients. Therefore, the tragic events of final week befell and the selection has been made now to not transfer ahead with the award,” Belichick stated in an announcement.
The Patriots coach additionally stated that whereas he thought to be himself an “American citizen with gargantuan reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy,” he additionally represented his “household and the Unique England Patriots crew.”
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“Regarded as one of essentially the most rewarding things in my professional profession took pronounce in 2020 when, thru the gargantuan leadership within our crew, conversations about social justice, equality, and human rights moved to the forefront and secure become actions,” Belichick stated. “Continuing those efforts whereas final correct to the of us, crew, and nation I respect outweigh the advantages of any particular person award.”
Trump became expected to award Belichick on Thursday, leading some lawmakers to publicly name on the Patriots coach to decline the medal.
“I’d refuse it if I had been Invoice Belichick,” Earn. Jim McGovern, a Democrat from Massachusetts, advised CNN earlier on Monday. “This president has made a mockery of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Observe at who he has given it to within the final weeks: of us respect Devin Nunes and Jim Jordan. I mean, please. Invoice Belichick must mute attain the supreme ingredient and stammer, ‘No thanks.’”
