ESPN Responds to Pat Tillman’s Mother’s Complaint Over ‘Controversy’ Surrounding Prince Harry’s ESPY Award

ESPN has defended its decision to honor Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Service Award at the 2024 ESPYS — despite backlash from the late hero’s mother, Mary Tillman.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, was named last week as one of the recipients of this year’s upcoming ceremony for his military experience and work on the Invictus Games.

But the announcement did not sit well with Mary, who criticized ESPN and claimed she was never consulted on the decision.

“ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, honors Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in particular for the work of the Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year of promoting healing through the power of sport for military members and veterans around the world,” ESPN said in a statement Monday.

“We understand that not everyone will agree with every award recipient, but the Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes it is a cause worth celebrating.”

The prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the world, echoing the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, who enlisted after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Speaking about the decision, Mary lashed out at the sports channel.

“I’m shocked why they chose such a controversial and divisive individual to receive this award,” Mary told the Daily Mail.

“There are recipients who are much more appropriate,” she added. “There are people who work in the veteran community and do extraordinary things to help veterans.”

The bewildered mother also pointed out that Harry is already famous and has received many awards in his life, so ESPN should have chosen someone else who has never been in the spotlight.

Mary’s condemnation was echoed by ESPN analyst Pat McAfee, who accused his own network of “trying to piss people off” for casting the exiled royal.

“Prince Harry is getting this award,” McAfee said on his talk show, “and I don’t even think he’s a prince anymore, do you? He told me not to call myself that anymore. You know, why do the ESPYs do that?”

Despite Mary’s strong stance, two former award winners have lent their support to ESPN’s decision to honor Harry.

Jake Wood, a U.S. Marine and former college football player who won the award in 2018, told TMZ that Harry was a “natural candidate” for the honor because of his military experience and work with veterans.

Wood told the outlet that the duke dedicated his life to serving and supporting the military — something that should be honored as he could have lived his life in many different ways.

He nevertheless made it clear that Mary had every right to say what she thought.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr., who won the award in 2017, said Harry was a deserving recipient.

Although mired in controversy surrounding his royal life, Harry served in the British Army for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot.

He also created the Invictus Games in 2014, which serve as a Paralympic-style multi-sport game for wounded military personnel and veterans.

“This one is for our entire service community,” the father of two said after learning of the honor.

Tillman, a former safety for the Arizona Cardinals, served in Iraq and Afghanistan before being killed by friendly fire in 2004. The soldier was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his service.