Updated: 4:25 AM PST Jan 12, 2021 New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will not be accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump, according to a statement he sent to ESPN s Adam Schefter.In the statement, Belichick confirmed that he was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the nation s highest civilian honors, and was flattered by the gesture.However, he has decided not to move forward with accepting the award following the violence that broke out at the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday. Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation s values, freedom and democracy, Belichick said in the statement. I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team. Belichick also stated that one of the most rewarding moments of his professional career happened this year when conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became acti