ESPN's decision to honor the Duke of Sussex with the award set up in the name of the former American football star has sparked public outcry with Mary Tillman expressing her shock.
- Jul 1, 2024
AceShowbiz - Pat Tillman's mother has spoken up after Prince Harry was announced as the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award at the upcoming ESPY Awards. Slamming the decision to give the award to "a controversial and divisive individual," Mary Tillman believes that there are people "far more fitting" to receive the honor.
"I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award," Mary told Daily Mail, saying she was not consulted by ESPN to give the Duke of Sussex the award set up in the name of her son.
"There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans," Mary insisted. She futher stressed, "These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized."
The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) is run by the sports TV network ESPN. The Pat Tillman Award for Service in an annual honor given at the show to a person or persons who have served others in a way that embodies the legacy Pat left behind. The memorial award was set up in the name of the American football star, who gave up a lucrative career to enlist in the U.S. Army after 9/11.
ESPN said Harry was being honored for his "tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport" with his Invictus Games. Kate Jackson, VP, Production at ESPN, touted the recipients as those who have changed the world.
"These honorees have used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities, demonstrating incredible resilience, positivity and perseverance, and we're thrilled to celebrate them at the 2024 ESPYs," Kate stated.
Harry, who served the British military for 10 years, said after learning that he will receive the Pal Tillman Award, "This one is for our entire service community."
However, the decision has sparked public outcry, with an online petition demanding ESPN to think again, claiming Harry had been "involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honor of this magnitude." The petition read, "Awarding this honour to someone who does not reflect the award's intent diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman's memory."
ESPN analyst Pat McAfee also condemned the decision, accusing his own network of "trying to piss people off" for picking Prince Harry. "It's going to Prince Harry," he said on his talk show on Friday, June 28, "who I don't even think is a Prince anymore, right? He said don't call me that? See, why does the ESPYs do this s**t?" He added, "This is like actually the most embarrassing thing I've seen in my entire life."
ESPN has not responded to the protest.
