Mary Tillman expressed dissatisfaction with the award to Prince Harry: details and reaction to ESPN’s decision
2 july 2024 в 19:13
During the weekend, Mary Tillman, the mother of the late NFL player turned army veteran Pat Tillman, expressed clear disapproval of the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service in 2024.
On June 27, ESPN shared some nominees ahead of the ESPYs ceremony, which will take place on July 11, including Prince Harry.
In response, Tillman told The Daily Mail: «I am shocked as to why they chose such a controversial and divisive figure to receive the award».
The American military hero left the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the army after the September 11, 2001 attacks. He was killed by friendly fire during a roadside ambush in Afghanistan at the age of 27.
Mary Tillman could not understand the decision to award the 39-year-old former royal member, noting that he has already received numerous awards in his life, and ultimately the award should be given to people who do not have the fame and resources like the Duke of Sussex.
«There are more suitable candidates», - she said. «There are people working in the veteran community who are doing huge things to help veterans».
She also stated that she was not informed of the decision before the announcement; however, she does not participate in the decision-making process as the Pat Tillman Foundation is managed by Pat’s widow, Marie.
But ESPN remained firm in its decision and in a statement provided more specific details on why this decision was made, acknowledging the disagreements.
«ESPN, in partnership with the Tillman Foundation, recognizes Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, specifically for his work with the Invictus Games Foundation, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, promoting healing through the power of sport for military personnel and veterans around the world».
«While we understand that not everyone will agree with all nominees for any award, the Invictus Games Foundation is doing incredible work, and ESPN believes it is worth recognizing».
Despite the controversy, Harry, who served in the British army for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot, was recognized for his role in launching the Invictus Games.
The Invictus Games, created in 2014, serve as a multi-sport event in the style of the Paralympics for wounded or injured military personnel and veterans.
«This award is for our entire military community», - said Harry upon learning that he would receive the Pat Tillman Award
On June 27, ESPN shared some nominees ahead of the ESPYs ceremony, which will take place on July 11, including Prince Harry.
In response, Tillman told The Daily Mail: «I am shocked as to why they chose such a controversial and divisive figure to receive the award».
The American military hero left the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the army after the September 11, 2001 attacks. He was killed by friendly fire during a roadside ambush in Afghanistan at the age of 27.
Mary Tillman could not understand the decision to award the 39-year-old former royal member, noting that he has already received numerous awards in his life, and ultimately the award should be given to people who do not have the fame and resources like the Duke of Sussex.
«There are more suitable candidates», - she said. «There are people working in the veteran community who are doing huge things to help veterans».
She also stated that she was not informed of the decision before the announcement; however, she does not participate in the decision-making process as the Pat Tillman Foundation is managed by Pat’s widow, Marie.
But ESPN remained firm in its decision and in a statement provided more specific details on why this decision was made, acknowledging the disagreements.
«ESPN, in partnership with the Tillman Foundation, recognizes Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, specifically for his work with the Invictus Games Foundation, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, promoting healing through the power of sport for military personnel and veterans around the world».
«While we understand that not everyone will agree with all nominees for any award, the Invictus Games Foundation is doing incredible work, and ESPN believes it is worth recognizing».
Despite the controversy, Harry, who served in the British army for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot, was recognized for his role in launching the Invictus Games.
The Invictus Games, created in 2014, serve as a multi-sport event in the style of the Paralympics for wounded or injured military personnel and veterans.
«This award is for our entire military community», - said Harry upon learning that he would receive the Pat Tillman Award
© Smirnova Olga
