ESPN recently caught heat from the mother of the late NFL star Pat Tillman. Mary “Dannie” Tillman recently lambasted ESPN for awarding Prince Harry the Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year’s ESPYs.
Ms. Tillman felt that Prince Harry was able to do a lot for veterans thanks to the privileged circumstances of his birth.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she told The Daily Mail. “There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”
ESPN, however, pushed back against that narrative, saying they were honoring Prince Harry for his work through The Invictus Games, which unites veterans around the globe.
“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 worldwide. 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.”
Prince Harry has yet to comment on the controversy.
