FOG BLOG U.S. POLITICS/SPORTS LOG: BILL BELICHICK, PATRIOT'S COACH REFUSES PRES. FREEDOM MEDAL...

LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE A REAL PATRIOT HERE......NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT COACH BILL BELICHICK WAS PICKED TO RECIEVE THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, A REAL HIGH HONOUR, BUT IN LIGHT OF THE EVENTS OF LAST WEDNESDAY'S ATTACK ON THE CAPITOL IN WASHINGTON, HE IS REFUSING THIS HONOUR.......New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who had been expected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom later this week, has instead declined the honor, citing last week's violence at the Capitol.

"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," the six-time Super Bowl legend and early Trump supporter said in a statement reported by the National Football League late Monday. "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," the statement read.

The president announced he would give Belichick the nation's highest civilian honor this week, days after Trump supporters stormed into the Capitol building in Washington.

Trump had been expected to bestow the honor at the White House on Thursday.

Belichick and the president have known each other for years. Trump, at a rally before his 2016 election victory, even read a "letter of praise" from the New England head coach.

Belichick's decision to decline the honor at the White House is yet another blow to an increasingly isolated Trump, who has seen a wave of top advisers leave in recent days, also citing the violence.