Belichick decided to turn down the award in light of the Capitol riots last week, which saw Trump supporters storm the Capitol building. The Patriots coach said in a statement: “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 has been praised for rejecting the award, which is given to “individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”
But Twitter users have also reacted to the news by making a lot of jokes about Trump feeling “deflated” after Belichick’s rejection.
Political analyst Jeff Greenfield said: “First the PGA, now this. Trump must be feeling very deflated about now. (Good on Belichick for this.)”
Twitter user Nina Espina said: “Trump is deflated by Belichick move. I couldn’t help myself,” while Matt Cravets on Twitter said: “Belichick turning this down must have the White House feeling deflated.”
Eric Law said: “Trump must feel so deflated. But seriously, good for Belichick,” and Twitter user Kevin said: “Belichick got balls, they may be deflated but he got balls!”
The jokers are referring to the so-called “Deflategate” scandal which saw the NFL suspend Patriots player Tom Brady amid suspicion that he was involved in deflating the game balls.
An investigation found that team locker room attendant Jim McNally had likely deflated the Patriots’ balls and that Brady was likely generally aware of what McNally was doing. Deflated balls are easier to catch and throw, and as each team uses their own balls, the Patriots would have had an advantage over their opponents.
The NFL suspended Brady for four games and the team was fined $1 million. Belichick was not found to have known what was going on, but that hasn’t stopped Twitter from making “deflated” jokes about his rejection of the medal.
In a statement, Belichick explained why he rejected the medal and said: “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. I know I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team.”
Belichick also referenced the Black Lives Matter movement in his statement and said: “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 people, team, and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award.”
The Patriots have been vocal about racial issues and Belichick has previously said that he is proud of the players for being a “pillar in the community.” In June, Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots, pledged $1 million in donations to social justice causes.
