New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick released a statement saying he will not be accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Belichick’s decisions comes in wake of the deadly riots at the US Capitol Building last week.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Belichick released the following statement after reports surfaced that he was going to be presented one of the nation’s highest civilian honors to Belichick on Thursday by President Donald Trump.

“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,” Belichick said. “Subsequently the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award.”