Prince Harry’s ESPY award criticized by war hero’s mother: Why ‘pick such a controversial and polarizing person’?

Since it was announced a few days ago that Prince Harry will be honored at the 2024 ESPY Awards, a ceremony hosted by ESPN to honor athletes and sports personalities, there have been angry reactions from several quarters.

The Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex named him one of the “esteemed recipients” of the Pat Tillman Award, which “recognises exceptional individuals who exemplify courage, perseverance and service”. The prince is expected to be recognised for his work with injured veterans as part of the Invictus Games during the prestigious sporting event on July 11. The event will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and will be hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams.

Amid growing criticism of the Duke’s choice as this year’s winner, the mother of the murdered US hero after whom the award is named sharply criticised the decision to honour Prince Harry in his name.

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Mary, the mother of the late NFL safety turned Army Ranger, reportedly criticized ESPN’s decision, which was made without consulting her. “I am shocked why they would choose such a controversial and polarizing person to be the honoree,” she told the Daily Mail.

She further criticized the television network for choosing Harry despite his privilege, noting that there were “far more suitable” honorees and “individuals in the veterans community who do great things for veterans” who deserved the award.

She did not support the Duke’s selection for the award, adding: “These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privileges that Prince Harry has. I believe these types of individuals deserve recognition.”

Announcing that Prince Harry will receive the Pat Tillman Award this year, Kate Jackson, ESPN’s vice president of production, said: “These honorees have used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities. They have demonstrated incredible resilience, positivity and perseverance, and we are thrilled to honor them at the 2024 ESPYs.” The broadcaster also praised Prince Harry’s foundation, claiming that it has “crossed borders and impacted lives on every continent” since 2014.

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Tillman, for whom the award is named, gave up his sports career to join the Army after the September 11 attacks. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was killed by friendly fire in 2004. Tillman was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.

His mother reiterated that Prince Harry is already a well-known man, so ESPN should have chosen an unsung hero who has never been recognized before. The award is usually given to people who recognize “former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman’s legacy of serving others.”

Last year, the Buffalo Bills’ training staff won the award for resuscitating a player who had suffered a cardiac arrest on the field mid-game. Previous winners include British football player and activist Marcus Rashford and retired US Army Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, who battled traumatic brain injury and founded the adaptive racing team Team Unbroken.

Officials criticize the decision to honor Prince Harry with the Tillman Award as a “gimmick”

Before Tillman’s mother questioned the network’s move, ESPN’s Pat McAfee also vehemently disapproved of the decision, asking why “ESPYs do this kind of shit,” and also claiming that they were trying to “upset people.”

McAfee’s colleague Boston Connor also suggested that the show’s organizers were “not exactly thrilled” about the Duke’s nomination. Another colleague, TY Schmitt, denigrated the awards ceremony and called it a “gimmick.”