ESPN has defended its decision to honor Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS — despite blowback from the late hero’s mother, Mary Tillman.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, was last week named as one of the recipients at this year’s upcoming ceremony for his military experience and work on the Invictus Games.
But the announcement didn’t sit right with Mary, who slammed ESPN and claimed she was never consulted about the decision.
“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,” ESPN said in a statement Monday.
“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.”
The prestige award is handed out to individuals who have made significant contributions in the world, which echo the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger, who enlisted after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Speaking out about the decision, Mary hit out at the sports network.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” Mary told the Daily Mail.
“There are recipients that are far more fitting,” she added. “There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”
The baffled mother also pointed out that Harry is already famous and has received plenty of awards in his life, so ESPN should have chosen someone else who’s never been in the spotlight.
Mary’s condemnation was echoed by ESPN analyst Pat McAfee, who accused his own network of “trying to piss people off” for picking the exiled royal.
“It’s going to Prince Harry,” McAfee said on his talk show, “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?”
Despite Mary’s firm stance, two former recipients of the award have thrown their support behind ESPN’s decision to honor Harry.
Jake Wood, a US Marine and former college football player who won the award in 2018, told TMZ that Harry is a “natural fit” for the honor due to his military background and work with veterans.
Wood told the outlet that the Duke dedicated his life to serving and supporting the military — which should be honored because there are many different ways he could have lived his life.
Still, he made it known that Mary has every right to speak her mind.
US Air Force Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr. — who won the award in 2017 — said Harry is a worthy recipient.
Despite being mired in controversy over his royal life, Harry served the British military for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot.
He also created the Invictus Games in 2014, which serves as a multi-sport, Paralympic-styled games for wounded or injured servicemen and veterans.
“This one is for our entire service community,” the father of two said after learning of the honor.
Tillman, a former safety for the Arizona Cardinals, served in Iraq and then Afghanistan before he was killed by friendly fire in 2004, with the soldier posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service.
Laura Davis is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Broadway, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
