ESPN announced last week that Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, would receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) on July 11. This award recognizes a person with a significant link to sports who has contributed to serving others in a manner that embodies Pat Tillman’s legacy. Tillman was an NFL player who left his career to join the U.S. Army after the September 11 attacks and was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.
The decision to honor Prince Harry has sparked significant controversy, particularly from Pat Tillman’s family. Pat’s mother, Mary Tillman, expressed shock and disappointment with ESPN’s choice. “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she told the Daily Mail. “There are recipients that are far more fitting. Individuals working in the veteran community are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”
Prince Harry is recognized for his ten years of service in the British Army, including two tours in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot. He is also the founder of the Invictus Games, a Paralympics-style competition for wounded veterans.
The backlash has been intense. An online petition calling for ESPN to reconsider its decision has garnered over 45,000 signatures. Critics contend that Prince Harry, having stepped down from his royal duties and relocated to California with his wife Meghan Markle, does not represent the essence of the award as effectively as other potential recipients who do not have his level of resources and privilege.
Pat McAfee, an ESPN host, also criticized the network’s decision, suggesting that it was made to provoke a reaction. “The network was trying to piss people off by selecting Prince Harry,” McAfee said on his show.
ESPN responded to the criticism by emphasizing its support for the Invictus Games Foundation and its positive impact on the veteran community. “While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating,” the network said in a statement.
The Pat Tillman Award for Service was established in 2014 to honor individuals who reflect Tillman’s legacy. Last year, the award was given to the Buffalo Bills training staff for their life-saving actions when Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during a game.
The controversy over Prince Harry’s selection for the award continues to grow as the date for the ESPYs approaches. Whether this backlash will influence ESPN’s decision or Prince Harry’s attendance at the ceremony remains to be seen.