On Thursday, Bill Belichick announced his departure from the New England Patriots. The move had many reflecting on his legendary career with the Patriots, leading the team to six Super Bowl championships. But it also had some remembering a time when he stood strong against Donald Trump.
As Christine Brennan recalled when Bill Belichick declined a Medal of Freedom offer from Donald Trump in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection.
“As we look back on Bill Belichick’s career, it’s worthwhile to remember that he turned down appearing with Donald Trump after Jan. 6 when others in the sports (golf) world did not,” Brennan said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
Brennan shared a statement from Belichick in which he made it clear that he would not be accepting the award from Trump after the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
“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. Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation’s values, freedom and democracy,” Belichick said in a statement.
“I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team. One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions. Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award.”
Belichick stood firm in his decision.
