Prince Harry is not fit to receive the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPYs, and it’s shocking that ESPN left him out… at least that’s what the late veteran’s mother thinks.
Maria Tillman – mother of former NFL safety Pat Tillman, who joined the U.S. Army after 9/11 and died in a friendly fire incident – spoke to Daily Mail about ESPN choosing Prince Harry to host the ESPY named in Pat’s honor… and, suffice it to say, she’s not happy with the decision.
Tillman says, “I’m shocked as to why they chose such a controversial and controversial individual to receive the award.”
Mary adds that she thinks there are individuals better suited to receive the coveted trophy… unsung heroes who don’t have the Duke of Sussex’s huge platform.
Tillman confirms that ESPN did not consult her… which is quite clear given the harsh condemnation she made of his selection for the honor.
If you don’t know… the Pat Tillman Service Award is an annual honor given at the ESPN awards show to one or more people who have served others in a way that embodies the legacy Tillman left behind.
Last year, the honor went to the Buffalo Bills coaching staff for saving Damar Hamlinhis life after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the field.
It’s worth noting… Prince Harry has strong ties to the military community — he served twice in Afghanistan and founded the Invictus Games for wounded and injured veterans — but Mary appears unimpressed with his resume.
“A lot of talk about Pat Tillman’s name. American hero… Now there’s an award named after him, as there should be in the sports world, because this is someone who is the definition of selfless. It goes to Prince Harry. Who I don’t even think I’m a prince anymore. See,… photo.twitter.com/eLx3rO2M1h
– Horrible ad (@awfulannouncing) June 28, 2024
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By the way, Mary is not alone here — with the ESPN commentator Pat McAfee also criticized the decision during his show on Friday…saying he thinks his network is working hard to “piss people off.”
We’ve reached out to Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation for comment… so far, no response.