Prince Harryis set to receive thePat Tillman Awardfor Service at the 2024 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY)Awardson Thursday (July 11). However, the decision to award theDuke of Sussexwith the prize created inhonorof NFL player-turned-US Army Ranger Pat Tillman sparkedoutrage.
Mary Tillman, the mother of late former Arizona Cardinals safety-turned-USArmy soldier Pat Tillman, heavily criticized the ESPY Awards’ choice, as she was allegedly not consulted.
HighlightsPrince Harry will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards, sparking controversy.Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman’s mother, criticizes the decision, calling Harry a ‘controversial and divisive individual.‘Mary claims she was not consulted about awarding Harry and feels more deserving candidates exist.
She toldThe Daily Mailon Sunday (June 30): “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.
“There are recipients that are far more fitting.”
Prince Harry is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service
Image credits:Karwai Tang/WireImage
“There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.
“These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections, or privilege thatPrince Harryhas.
“I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized.”
Image credits:espn
Among notable recipients, Manchester United starMarcus Rashfordwas awarded the accolade in 2021 after helping raise millions of dollars during the COVID-19 pandemic to help feed children in England.
“It’s our privilege to recognize three incredible individuals — Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley, andPrince Harry,” Kate Jackson, VP Production at ESPN, said in a press release.
“These honourees 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’re thrilled to celebrate them at The 2024 ESPYS.”
He will be awarded at the 2024 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) Awards on Thursday (July 11)
Image credits:ESPN
But backlash has continuously grown since the network’s decision, as a petition was created over the weekend demanding ESPN to think again, claiming Harry had been “involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honor of this magnitude.”
The petition reads: “Awarding this honor to someone who does not reflect the award’s intent diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.”
Image credits:Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
She said: “The fact is, this award is going to Harry … I am going with the detractors.
“But I have a theory on this because this guy keeps getting awards and you are kind of thinking he is a bit adjacent to the actual topic that the award is being given to.”
The decision to award the Duke of Sussex with the prize created in honor of NFL player-turned-US Army Ranger Pat Tillman sparked outrage
Image credits:Tom Williams/Roll Call/Getty Images
The royal commentator then suggested some award organizations could be after extra publicity in bestowing honor on the Duke, as she claimed: “I think that these … awards want some coverage so they will give it to Harry one year rather than giving it to somebody who is probably a bit more deserving.
“Maybe somebody who in this case is American for a start.
Image credits:The Times and The Sunday Times
He rose to the rank of Captain and undertook two tours in Afghanistan, first as a Forward Air Controller and later as an Apache helicopter co-pilot and gunner.
Mary Tillman, the mother of late former Arizona Cardinals safety-turned-US Army soldier Pat Tillman, heavily criticized the ESPY Awards’ choice
Image credits:Gene Lower/Getty Images
Pat and Kevin joined the U.S. Army in 2002, committing to a three-year term. They were assigned to the second battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment in Fort Lewis, Washington.
The brothers served tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004.
On the evening of April 22, 2004, Pat’s unit was ambushed as it traveled through the rugged canyon terrain of eastern Afghanistan.
His heroic efforts to provide cover for fellow soldiers as they escaped from the canyon led to his untimely and tragic death via fratricide.
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