Bill Belichick to receive Medal of Freedom from President Trump, reports say

"And on Thursday, Trump plans to award New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom, according to a White House official".

The event is part of Trump's plan to apparently spend his final full week before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden making last-minute use of his presidential powers and touting what he considers his achievements in office, despite the pressure on him to resign after his role in last week's riot at the Capitol.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the US and 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", according to the White House. Belichick and Trump have both stated that they are good friends with each other.

When asked what his reaction would be if Belichick did accept the award, McGovern said that accepting anything from President Trump at this time would be "disgraceful".

Belichick last visited the White House after the Patriots' Super Bowl 51 victory in 2017, with the team choosing not to make the visit in 2019 following their Super Bowl 53 win. He said in 2016 that he has a "friendship and loyalty" to Trump.

Said Belichick in a radio interview: "A very nice compliment". "I mean, this president has made a mockery of the Presidential Medal of Freedom". Trump once read a glowing letter about himself written by Belichick at a campaign rally in New Hampshire prior to his being elected president. "But, I'll just stick to coaching football".

Belichick has served on the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition since 2018.

The Pats, who've been coached by Belichick the past 21 years, finished out of the playoffs for the first time in the past 12 seasons.