Pat Tillman's Mother "Shocked" Over Prince Harry's Selection for Award Named After Her Son

Mary Tillman, mother of the late U.S. soldier and NFL star Pat Tillman, expressed surprise and dissatisfaction over Prince Harry being chosen as the recipient of the annual Pat Tillman Award for Service, an honor bestowed by ESPN to individuals with a significant sports connection who have demonstrated remarkable service to others.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Mary Tillman stated that she was not consulted about the selection of Prince Harry for the award, which honors her son's legacy of service following his death by friendly fire in Iraq in 2004. She voiced her belief that there are more deserving recipients within the veteran community who lack the financial means and prominence enjoyed by Prince Harry.

Prince Harry, known for his role in founding the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded veterans, is set to receive the award at the upcoming ESPY Awards ceremony. ESPN praised the Invictus Games for fostering resilience and healing among participants, highlighting its global impact.

Responding to the announcement, Harry expressed gratitude, calling the recognition a tribute to the entire service community. The decision, however, sparked backlash, with a petition urging ESPN to reconsider garnering over 12,300 signatures.

The ESPY Awards, where Harry will be honored, will be televised on ABC on July 11, hosted by Serena Williams. The selection of Prince Harry comes amid ongoing tensions between him, his wife Meghan, and the British royal family, heightened by Harry's recent memoir.

Why This Matters: The controversy surrounding Prince Harry's selection for the Pat Tillman Award highlights ongoing debates over who should be recognized for contributions to veteran communities and the significance of celebrity versus grassroots activism in award nominations.

Key Takeaways:

• Mary Tillman, mother of Pat Tillman, criticized Prince Harry's selection for the Pat Tillman Award.
• The award honors individuals connected to sports who have made substantial service contributions.
• Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games, recognized globally for its impact on wounded veterans.
• Backlash and a petition have emerged, challenging ESPN's decision to honor Prince Harry.
• The ESPY Awards ceremony, where Harry will receive the award, will air on July 11 on ABC.