Bill Belichick Declines Presidential Medal of Freedom

New England Patriots coach turns down the nation's highest civilian honor

Belichick cites personal reasons for declining the award

Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots, has declined the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

In a statement released by the Patriots, Belichick said that he was "honored and humbled" to be considered for the award, but that he had decided to decline it for personal reasons.

"After much thought and consideration, I have decided to decline the Presidential Medal of Freedom," Belichick said in the statement. "I am honored and humbled to be considered for this prestigious award, but I believe that there are other people more deserving of this recognition."

Belichick did not elaborate on his reasons for declining the award. However, it is worth noting that he has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump in the past.

In 2016, Belichick wrote a letter to Trump in which he said that he was "deeply disappointed" by Trump's comments about women and minorities.

In 2017, Belichick skipped the White House visit that is traditionally given to the Super Bowl champions. He said that he did not want to "be a distraction" to the team.

It is possible that Belichick's decision to decline the Presidential Medal of Freedom is related to his personal feelings about Trump. However, it is also possible that Belichick simply does not believe that he is deserving of the award.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

Belichick has certainly made a significant contribution to the sport of football. He is one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, and he has led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories.

However, it is possible that Belichick does not believe that his accomplishments on the football field are deserving of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Ultimately, only Belichick knows why he declined the award. However, his decision is a reminder that the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a prestigious award that is not given lightly.