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American hero Pat Tillman’s mother criticizes decision to reward Prince Harry with prize for her son

Posted on by angelo
American hero Pat Tillman’s mother criticizes decision to reward Prince Harry with prize for her son

The mother of American hero and former NFL player Pat Tillman has criticized ESPN’s decision to honor Prince Harry with the award named in her son’s honor.

Mary Tillman said she was never consulted by the sports network to give the Duke of Sussex the Pat Tillman Award, which honors the late NFL guard turned Army Ranger who enlisted after the attacks September 11 terrorists.

“I’m shocked why they chose such a controversial and divisive person to receive this award,” Mary told the Daily Mail.

Prince Harry has been selected to receive the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPYS. Getty Images

“There are much better recipients,” she added. “There are people who work in the veterans community who are doing great things to help veterans.”

The bewildered mother also pointed out that Harry is already famous and has received many awards in his life, so ESPN should have chosen someone else who has never been in the spotlight.

The Pat Tillman Award has often been given to unsung heroes. Last year’s winner was the Buffalo Bills practice squad who revived a player who suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of a game.

Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman’s mother, said she doesn’t understand why ESPN chose such a polarizing figure. Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Mary’s condemnation was echoed by ESPN analyst Pat McAfee, who on Friday accused his own network of “trying to piss people off” for casting Prince Harry.

“This goes to Prince Harry,” McAfee said on his talk show, “who, in my opinion, is not even a prince anymore, right? He said: don’t call me that See, why do the ESPYs do this?

“It’s actually the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” he added.

In selecting the Duke of Sussex and others to receive honors at the upcoming ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly), Kate Jackson, ESPN’s vice president of production, introduced the recipients as those who have changed the world.

Pat Tillman enlisted in the U.S. Army after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. PA
Tillman’s enlistment meant he was giving up a lucrative career as a player for the Arizona Cardinals. REUTERS

“These honorees have used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities, demonstrating incredible resilience, positivity and perseverance, and we are thrilled to celebrate them at the 2024 ESPYs,” Jackson said.

Despite being marred by controversy over his royal life, Harry – who served in the British Army for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot – has been praised for his role in launching the Invictus Games.

The Games, established in 2014, serve as a Paralympic-style multi-sport game for wounded and injured service members and veterans.

The Pat Tillman Award is typically given to unsung heroes who capture the legacy of the deceased veteran. Getty Images
Harry had served in the British Army for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot. Getty Images

“This one goes out to our entire service community,” Harry said after learning he would receive the Pat Tillman Award.

The Pat Tillman Award was established in 2014 and was presented to an individual who has served in a way that echoes Tillman’s legacy.

Tillman, a former safety for the Arizona Cardinals, served in Iraq and then Afghanistan before being killed by friendly fire in 2004. The soldier was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service.