Bill Belichick Declines Presidential Medalbr of Freedom From Donald Trump.br On Monday, the New England Patriots coachbr responded to recent reports that Donald Trump planned tobr award him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. .br The Presidential Medal of Freedom is br meant to recognize individuals who have made br “meritorious contributions” to the country. .br In his statement, Belichickbr said that he would notbr be accepting the medal.br Although he was “flattered” by what the honor represents,br Belichick decided “not to move forward with the award” becausebr of last week’s riot at the Capitol by pro-Trump extremists. .br Recently, I was offered the opportunity tobr receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom …br Subsequently, the tragic events of lastbr week occurred and the decision has beenbr made not to move forward with the award, Bill Belichick, via Fox News.br Belichick went on to say that one of the “most rewarding”br moments of his professional career was the conversations aboutbr “social justice, equality and human rights” that occurred in 2020. .br One of the most rewarding things in mybr professional career took place in 2020br when, through the great leadership withinbr our team, conversations about socialbr justice, equality and human rights movedbr to the forefront and became actions, Bill Belichick, via Fox News.br For Belichick, “continuingbr those efforts” is his top prioritybr and “outweighs” the importancebr of any award he may receive.