Pat Tillman’s Mother Is ‘Shocked’ That ESPN Gave Son’s Award to Prince Harry

ESPN faced a lot of negative reactions when the network decided to give this year’s prestigious Pat Tillman Award to Prince Harry. It turns out Pat’s mother, Mary Tillman, isn’t thrilled either.

At the annual ESPYs, the Pat Tillman Award goes to “an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that reflects the legacy of former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman.” Tillman, of course, was a former NFL safety who enlisted in the U.S. Army after the 9/11 attacks. He was killed by friendly fire in 2004.

ESPN chose to give the award to Prince Harry this year for his service in the British Armed Forces and his work with the Invictus Games for wounded soldiers. But Mary believes there were better options.

“I am shocked that such a controversial and divisive person has been chosen to receive the award,” she said. Daily mail.

“There are audiences that are much more appropriate. There are people who work in the veterans community who do tremendous things to help veterans. Those people don’t have the money, the resources, the connections, the privileges that Prince Harry has. I think those types of people should be recognized.”

ESPN Faces Backlash from Mary Tillman and Others

Mary is one of many people racking their brains over the decision. Even ESPN host Pat McAfee publicly criticized his employer for “obviously trying to piss people off” with this year’s pick.

TO READ: Pat McAfee Slams ESPN for Giving Prince Harry Pat Tillman Award

However, ESPN says it has the full support of the Tillman Foundation, of which Pat’s widow, Marie Tillman Shenton, is chairwoman and co-founder.

“ESPN, with support from the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for his work with the Invictus Games Foundation, which is celebrating 10 years of promoting healing through the power of sport for service members and veterans around the world,” Worldwide Leader said in a statement.

“While we understand that not everyone will agree with all of the honorees selected for a given award, the Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”

Mary said she was not consulted on the decision to honour Prince Harry, but has not been involved in choosing the recipient in the past.