ESPN Justifies Prince Harry’s Selection for Pat Tillman Award

ESPN is defending its decision to honor Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award for Service amid widespread criticism, including objections from the mother of the late NFL star and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman.

In a statement to TMZ, ESPN explained, “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 network added, “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 Tillman's Reaction: The decision drew sharp criticism from Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, who told the Daily Mail, “I am shocked as to why they [ESPN] would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award. There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.” She emphasized that these individuals lack the resources and connections Prince Harry has, and therefore, should be recognized instead.

• Public Outcry: Following the announcement, a petition was launched against the network's decision, arguing that awarding Prince Harry “diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.” The backlash was also echoed by ESPN sports analyst Pat McAfee, who accused the network of trying to provoke a reaction. McAfee remarked, “It’s going to Prince Harry, 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?”

Prince Harry, who served in the British Army, founded the Invictus Games in 2014. The Games are a multi-sport event styled after the Paralympics, designed for wounded, injured, or sick servicemen and women. “This one is for our entire service community,” Harry said upon learning of his selection for the Pat Tillman Award.

The ESPYs, set to take place on July 11, are likely to see further discussion and debate over this controversial decision by ESPN.

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