Prince Harry faces backlash after being named recipient of Pat Tillman Award for Service

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Natalie Krawczyk
 
July 1, 2024
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Prince Harry is expected to take home the Pat Tillman Award for Service during this year’s ESPY Awards, but not everyone believes he deserves the honor.

Mary Tillman, mother of Pat, was “shocked” when she learned of the decision, calling the Duke of Sussex a “controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.”

The Pat Tillman award was introduced in 2014 in honor of Tillman, a former Arizona Cardinals player who enlisted in the military after September 11. Pat was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.

Each year ESPN gives the award to “person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player.” And while this year ESPN plans to award Prince Harry for his work with the Invictus Games, some believe there are others who are more deserving.

“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 told DailyMail. “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.”

WINDSOR, ENGLAND – APRIL 17: Prince Harry arrives for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Victoria Jones – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

After claiming she wasn’t consulted about the decision, ESPN issued a statement.

“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 statement read. “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.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 12: U.S. Air Force Technical Sgt. Israel Del Toro accepts the Pat Tillman Award for Service onstage at The 2017 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Previous winners of the Pat Tillman Award for Service were given to the Buffalo Bills training staff, Gretchen Evans, Marcus Rashford, and Kim Clavel.

Do you think Prince Harry is worthy of the Pat Tillman Award for Service? Let us know your thoughts.

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