Prince Harry is not compatible to get the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPYs, and it’s impressive that ESPN let him… 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 pleasant fireplace incident — spoke to Daily Mail about ESPN selecting Prince Harry to get the ESPY named in Pat’s honor… and, suffice it to say, she’s not proud of the choice.
Tillman says: “I am shocked as to why they would choose such a controversial and divisive person to receive the award.”
Mary says she believes there are more people out there who could claim the coveted trophy… unsung heroes who don’t have the Duke of Sussex’s grand platform.
Tillman confirms that ESPN did not seek her advice… which is pretty clear given her harsh condemnation of his choice for glory.
If you don’t know… the Pat Tillman Service Award is an annual honor given by ESPN to an individual or individuals who have served others in a way that embodies the legacy Tillman left behind.
ABC
Last year, the glory went to the Buffalo Payments training team to save Damar Hamlinhis life after he had a cardiac arrest in the sector.
It’s worth noting… Prince Harry has strong ties to the military group — serving on two tours in Afghanistan and founding the Invictus Games for wounded and injured veterans — however, Mary seems unimpressed with his resume.
“Numerous dialogues about the identity of Pat Tillman. American hero… Now there’s an award named after him, as there should be in the world of sports, because he’s someone who is the definition of selfless. Goes to Prince Harry. That I don’t even think he’s a prince anymore. Look,… foto.twitter.com/eLx3rO2M1h
– Terrible statement (@awfulannouncing) June 28, 2024
@awfulannouncing (badly announcing)
By the way, Mary isn’t alone here — with ESPN’s head of public speaking Pat McAfee as well as criticizing the choice during his presentation on Friday… saying he thinks his community is working hard to “piss people off.”
We’ve reached out to Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation for comment… so far, no word back.