Pat Tillman's Mom Blasted ESPN For Decision On Son's Award

https://thespun.com/.image/c_fit%2Ch_800%2Cw_1200/MjA3NTI0NDYzNjE1NDE5Njc3/mary-tillman-the-mother-of-army-ranger-and-professional-foo.jpg

06/30/2024 03:12 PM

UNITED STATES - APRIL 24: Mary Tillman, the mother of Army Ranger and professional football player Pat Tillman, testifies at a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, April 24, 2007, in Washington, D.C. Pat Tillman's brother Kevin Tillman accused the U.S. government of ``deliberate and calculated lies'' in wrongly reporting that Pat Tillman died in a fight with the enemy instead of from friendly fire. (Photo by Ken Cedeno/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Bloomberg/Getty Images

There are many people upset at ESPN for honoring Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award, including Tillman's mother, Mary.

Mary Tillman spoke with the Daily Mail and said she and her family were not consulted about the decision to bestow the award on the 39-year-old Duke of Sussex, adding that others were more deserving in her eyes.

"I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award," Tillman told the Daily Mail. "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."

Harry is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the upcoming ESPYs in July. The award is given yearly to a person with "a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman."

ESPN's Pat McAfee called out his employer for picking Harry for the honor, and there are petitions to reverse the decision.

In fairness, Harry is being recognized for his work with the Invictus Games Foundation, which he helped found in 2014.

Inspired by his 10 years of service in the British Armed Forces, Harry launched the games as a way of reaching out to wounded, injured or sick servicemen and women and giving them a chance to compete.