Los Angeles, CA – ESPN’s decision to honor Prince Harry with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS has sparked controversy, particularly from Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman.
The Duke of Sussex, recognized for his military service and founding the Invictus Games, was selected as one of the recipients for this year’s award ceremony. Despite ESPN’s explanation for honoring Prince Harry, Mary Tillman expressed her disapproval, stating that she was not consulted about the decision.
In response to the backlash, ESPN defended their choice, emphasizing the work of The Invictus Games Foundation in supporting military service members and veterans globally. The Pat Tillman Award for Service is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to society, echoing the legacy of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player and US Army Ranger.
While Mary Tillman criticized ESPN for selecting Prince Harry, several former award recipients have come out in support of the decision. US Marine Jake Wood, winner of the award in 2018, praised Prince Harry as a deserving recipient due to his military background and dedication to supporting veterans.
US Air Force Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr., who received the award in 2017, also expressed his support for honoring Prince Harry. Despite the controversy surrounding the Duke’s royal life, his ten years of service in the British military, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot, have not gone unnoticed.
In addition to his military career, Prince Harry established the Invictus Games in 2014, providing a platform for wounded or injured servicemen and veterans to participate in multi-sport events. While the decision to honor Prince Harry has drawn criticism, ESPN stands by their choice to recognize his contributions to the military community.
Overall, the controversy surrounding the selection of Prince Harry for the Pat Tillman Award for Service reflects differing opinions on who should be recognized for their service and contributions to society. Despite the conflicting views, the legacy of both Pat Tillman and Prince Harry in the military and veteran communities remains significant.