Pat Tillman's Mother Is ‘Shocked’ ESPN Gave Son's Award To Prince Harry
ESPN faced plenty of backlash when the network decided to give this year's prestigious Pat Tillman Award to Prince Harry. Turns out, Pat's mother, Mary Tillman, isn't thrilled about it either.
At the annual ESPYs, the Pat Tillman Award goes to "a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman." Tillman was, of course, a former NFL safety who enlisted in the U.S. Army following the Sept. 11 attacks. He was killed by friendly fire in 2004.
Prince Harry will receive the Pat Tillman Award at the 2024 ESPYs.
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
ESPN decided this year to give the award to Prince Harry for his service in the British Armed Forces and his work with the Invictus Games for wounded soldiers. But Mary believes there were better options.
"I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award," she told the Daily Mail.
"There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans. 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."
ESPN Faces Backlash From Mary Tillman & Others
Mary is just one of the many people scratching their heads over the decision. Even ESPN host Pat McAfee publicly criticized his employer for "obviously trying to piss people off" with this year's selection.
READ: Pat McAfee Rips ESPN Over Prince Harry Getting Pat Tillman Award
Mary Tillman is not involved in the selection process for the Pat Tillman Award.
(Getty Images)
ESPN, however, says it has the full support of the Tillman Foundation — of which Pat's widow, Marie Tillman Shenton, is the chair and co-founder.
"ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world," the Worldwide Leader said in a statement.
"While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, the Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating."
Mary said she was not consulted before the decision to honor Prince Harry, but she has not been involved in the recipient selection in the past, either.