The decision by ESPN to honor Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award has sparked significant controversy, particularly from the family of the award’s namesake. Mary Tillman, the mother of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who left a lucrative career to serve in the U.S. Army and was tragically killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan, has voiced her objections to the choice.
Mary Tillman expressed her dismay, stating, “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. 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 that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized.”
The ESPY Awards, organized by the sports television network ESPN, annually present the Pat Tillman Award to individuals who have made significant contributions to the veteran community. Last year, the award was given to members of the Buffalo Bills’ training staff who revived a player on the field. This year, ESPN announced that Prince Harry would be honored for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport” with his Invictus Games.
However, the decision has not been well-received by everyone. A petition has emerged, urging ESPN to reconsider their choice, arguing that Harry’s involvement in various controversies makes him unsuitable for such an honor. The petition states, “Awarding this honor to someone who does not reflect the award’s intent diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.”
Pat Tillman, who was celebrated in the U.S. for his selfless service, left behind a promising career with the Arizona Cardinals to become an Army Ranger after the 9/11 attacks. He served in both Iraq and Afghanistan and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery.
One signatory of the petition, Tania Smith, remarked, “Pat Tillman embodied service and sacrifice, doing his patriotic duty. Harry represents none of these qualities. He publicly disrespected his family, ran away from service to his country as a royal… He is unworthy of this award.”
A source close to the Tillman family added, “It’s incredibly hurtful that the family had no say in this. Pat Tillman was a unifying force for good. Harry is divisive… There are many unsung heroes who are far more deserving.”
In response to the backlash, a spokesman for ESPN stated, “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. 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.”
The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, is an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans. The games aim to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.
Despite the noble intentions behind the Invictus Games, the controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s personal life and his departure from royal duties has overshadowed the recognition. Critics argue that his actions and public statements have been divisive and do not align with the values that the Pat Tillman Award represents.
The debate over Prince Harry’s suitability for the award highlights the broader issue of how public figures are chosen for honors and the impact of their personal lives on their public service. While some believe that his work with the Invictus Games is deserving of recognition, others feel that the award should go to individuals who have demonstrated selfless service and sacrifice without the benefit of privilege and resources.
As the ESPY Awards approach, the controversy is likely to continue, with supporters and detractors of Prince Harry voicing their opinions. The decision by ESPN to honor him with the Pat Tillman Award has undoubtedly sparked a conversation about the criteria for such honors and the importance of consulting with the families of those in whose name the awards are given.
Source: Daily Mail
