Bill Belichick has just rejected Donald Trump ... the Patriots head coach says he will NOT accept POTUS' Presidential Medal of Freedom -- and it's all because of the riots at the U.S. Capitol.
The NFL coaching legend made the announcement Monday evening ... saying he was initially "flattered" to be offered the award -- but decided to ultimately turn it down after pro-Trump protesters ransacked D.C. last week.
"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.