ESPN has heard the outrage over its decision to present Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Service Award at this year’s ESPY Awards, and it’s not planning on changing its mind.
As previously reported, the decision to bestow this prestigious honor on Prince Harry drew a sharp rebuke from none other than Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary “Danny” Tillman, who blasted the network for overlooking people who were more deserving.
“I’m surprised why they chose such a controversial and divisive person as the recipient,” she said. Said Daily Mail“There are far more deserving recipients. There are people who work in the veterans community and do great things to support veterans.”
“These people don’t have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel like these types of people should be recognized.”
ESPN released a statement on Monday defending its decision and insisting that Harry did deserve the award.
“ESPN, with support from the Tillman Foundation, will be specially honoring Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games Foundation, which promotes healing through the power of sport for military personnel and veterans around the world,” the network said. Said To TMZ Sports.
“We understand that not everyone will agree with the winners selected, but the Invictus Games Foundation is doing great work and ESPN believes it’s work worth celebrating.”
The award was established in 2014 in memory of former NFL hero Pat Tillman, who turned down a more than $3 million contract to join the U.S. Army and fight in Afghanistan, where he was tragically killed by friendly fire.
Harry is a veteran who served in the British Army for 10 years, including serving in Afghanistan.
In 2023, the Bills training staff received the award for providing life-saving care to Bills safety Damar Hamlin when he went into cardiac arrest. Monday Night Football.
Mary Tillman is not part of the Tillman Foundation and was not consulted on the award selection.
