Patriots Coach Bill Belichick Declines Presidential Medal of Freedom

One of the highest awards a civilian can receive was turned down by the coach of the Patriots.

Bill Belichick has been friends with Donald Trump long before he became president. He has always said that his friendship was not about politics. But it did turn political when he turned down one of the highest honors given a civilian - the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Portland Press Herald reported that Belichick released a statement that read in part:

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.

He was due to receive the honor on Thursday, but will be avoiding that because of recent events. Bill Belichick remains the only NFL coach to have six Super Bowl wins.