Prince Harry has been nominated for the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards, but the decision has been met with a huge backlash, with even the late soldier’s mother speaking out against it
Prince Harry is said to be “stunned” following a backlash about his nomination for the ESPY’s Pat Tillman Award for Service, which recognises his work with the Invictus Games, it is reported.
He is expected to appear at the glitzy ceremony on 11 July. The award honours ex-football pro Pat Tillman, who traded a $3.8 million contract for a US Army uniform following the events of 9/11. Sadly, Mr Tillman died two decades ago in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan. Last week, his mother Mary revealed she wasn’t consulted about Prince Harry receiving an award bearing her son’s name.
She told the Daily Mail: “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 recognised.”
Richard Fitzwilliams, a Royal expert, also shared his thoughts, telling The Sun: “It’s a very, very sad situation, and I think this is one of the reasons Mary Tillman, the mother of Pat, believes that Harry isn’t fit, and that is a wasted opportunity. In my opinion, I think it’s been a tragedy all round.”
The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly), organised by sports TV network ESPN, recognises unsung heroes in the world of sport. Last year, the Pat Tillman award was bestowed upon members of the Buffalo Bills football team’s training staff after they successfully resuscitated a player on the field, reports the Mirror US.
ESPN has chosen to honour Prince Harry for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport”. However, this decision has not been without controversy. The Telegraph reported that “anything relating to his military record and work with veterans, it is a particularly bitter pill to swallow, one source admitted”.
Sources revealed to the publication: “Harry’s legacy on Invictus, the things he has achieved, that’s his real passion. This is the space in which he truly feels at home, it is something he deeply cares about. The reaction certainly took the shine off the award.”
