Pat McAfee has openly criticized ESPN for nominating Prince Harry for the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards. McAfee, a former NFL player and current ESPN analyst, expressed his discontent on his show, questioning the decision-making process behind the nomination. He argued that the award, named after Pat Tillman, a former NFL player and US Army Ranger who died in Afghanistan, should honor someone who embodies Tillman’s selflessness and dedication.
McAfee didn’t hold back, stating, “A lot of conversation about Pat Tillman’s name. American hero… Now there’s an award named after him, as there should be in the sports world because that is somebody who is the definition of selfless.” He then took a jab at Prince Harry, saying, “It’s going to Prince Harry, who I don’t even think is a prince anymore… He said don’t call me that.” McAfee’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that the nomination is a “provocative move” by ESPN.
The controversy stems from the criteria for the Pat Tillman Award, which is given to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes Tillman’s legacy. Prince Harry, who founded the Invictus Games and served in the British Army, was nominated for his contributions to the veteran community. However, McAfee and others feel that the selection process overlooked more deserving American candidates.
Boston Connor, a member of McAfee’s show, described Prince Harry’s nomination as “probably the most embarrassing thing I’ve seen in my entire life.” McAfee questioned whether the ESPY Awards’ committee did its homework, suggesting that the decision was more about generating controversy than honoring Tillman’s legacy. “When you do something like this, you know the immediate reaction from humans and sports fans and like people with common sense and brains is going to be like ‘Hey, don’t be putting our f***ing guy with that guy,'” McAfee said.
McAfee’s criticism didn’t stop there. He recalled his own experience at the 2023 ESPYS, where he felt the organizers were not thrilled with his opening monologue. He suggested that the decision to nominate Prince Harry was part of a pattern of controversial choices by the ESPY Awards’ committee. “We should celebrate sports,” McAfee said. “The worldwide leaders should celebrate sport but doing something like this is obviously trying to piss people off.”
Ty Schmitt, another member of McAfee’s cast, also criticized the ESPYS, calling the awards “a gimmick.” He argued that there were many deserving American military members who could have been honored instead of Prince Harry. “There are probably hundreds, if not thousands of people who they could have found who could have benefitted from this award. But instead let’s give it to Prince Harry,” Schmitt said.
McAfee suggested creating a separate award for Prince Harry, quipping, “How about it’s like ESPY for royal family member who doesn’t want to be called ‘royal family member’ who loves sports.”
The backlash against Prince Harry’s nomination extends beyond McAfee’s show. Mary Tillman, the mother of Pat Tillman, also expressed her disapproval. She stated that she was not consulted about the decision and was shocked that such a “controversial and divisive individual” was chosen. “There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans,” she said.
A petition has been launched, demanding ESPN reconsider the nomination. The petition argues that awarding Prince Harry diminishes the value of the award and disrespects Tillman’s memory. One signatory, Tania Smith, said, “Pat Tillman embodied service and sacrifice, doing his patriotic duty… Harry represents none of these qualities.”
The controversy has sparked a broader debate about the criteria for the Pat Tillman Award and the role of the ESPY Awards in honoring true heroes. Critics argue that the nomination of Prince Harry is a publicity stunt that undermines the award’s intent. “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,” a source said.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether ESPN will reconsider its decision. For now, the nomination of Prince Harry for the Pat Tillman Award has ignited a firestorm of criticism and raised questions about the integrity of the ESPY Awards.
Source: Daily Mail, New York Post
