Bill Belichick was feared but never loved. Then he stood up to Trump

Over the years, the NFL's most successful coach has earned plenty of criticism. On Monday he scored perhaps the greatest victory of his career

Let's start with a simple truth: Bill Belichick is a damn good football coach. Let's take that further: after leading the New England Patriots to nine Super Bowls, and winning six, Belichick has built a very strong case to be the greatest head coach in NFL history. Here is another unavoidable truth: Belichick has also earned a staggering amount of criticism in his 46-year career. Then, on Monday he did what many thought unthinkable. Belichick, a taciturn old-school curmudgeon who seemed the very opposite of the progressive movement that has opposed Donald Trump, turned down the presidential medal of freedom after a Maga mob's violent assault on the Capitol.

On Monday night, Belichick released a statement saying that he would be passing on the honor. Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the presidential medal of freedom," the statement read, 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."