FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — While the beginning of a new year usually means gearing up for playoff opponents for the New England Patriots, 2021 began very differently than most Patriots fans would have imagined a year ago. Instead of prepping his team for the likes of the Baltimore Ravens or the Cleveland Browns, Bill Belichick is instead facing a different kind of decision after learning that he is being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump.
With the president under fire in his final days in office, many are calling on the coach to pass on accepting the award. Others think the coach should go through with it, like Patriots fan Bob Baker.
“I think he is very deserving. It’s a big honor so why not, he deserved it,” Baker said.
Other fans also supported the idea of Belichick going to the White House.
“If the president is going to give you something, I think you accept it,” said Casey Niemien.
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However, some fans are dead set against the coach accepting.
“I would just distance myself from Trump by all costs,” said Greg Dudevoir.
Ash Kabir said that he does not support the Trump administration.
“Especially what happened in the Capitol building a couple of days ago, I don’t think anyone should support him at all,” Kabir said.
Belichick is a longtime friend of President Trump, even writing a letter showing his support before the 2016 election. Trump read parts of it at a rally shortly after.
“Your leadership is amazing,” Trump said.
Some Congressional leaders said President Trump has made a mockery out of the award after giving it to golfers in the days after the Capitol attack they accused President Trump of inciting. U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA 2) also believes Belichick should pass on accepting.
“This president is not fit to be in office, so anything he would bestow on anybody to me is meaningless, and to accept it is disgraceful,” Rep. McGovern said.
Cox Media Group
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