CELEBRITIES
ESPN Responds to Pat Tillman’s Mom’s Complaint About ‘Controversial’ Prince Harry Receiving ESPY Award
ESPN is standing by their choice to honor Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS despite backlash from Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman.
“ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world,” ESPN told Us Weekly in a statement on Monday, July 1.
The company acknowledged: “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.”
Last week, Harry, 39, was announced as the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service, which was named in honor of the late NFL star and U.S. Army Ranger. Pat was killed during combat in 2004. The ESPY Award honors the late soldier’s legacy and commends those who have an equally strong connection to sports and service.
While Harry served for 10 years in the British Armed Forces — and gives back through his Invictus Games Foundation — some people were surprised by the decision to give him the coveted award at the upcoming Thursday, July 11, ceremony.
Pat’s mom, Mary, expressed concerns over the Duke of Sussex being named the 2024 recipient, telling the Daily Mail on Saturday, June 29, “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.”
She continued: “There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans
Mary claimed, “These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized.”
She noted that she was not consulted about who should receive the award that is named after her late son
Despite some negative feedback, Harry’s team at The Invictus Games — which was created to “celebrate the unconquered human spirit and shine a spotlight on these men and women who served,” per their website — is happy to see their founder be celebrated at the awards show.
Thank you to the @ESPYS for honouring the founding of the #InvictusGames Foundation by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and our work to support the rehabilitation of the international wounded, injured or sick service community. #IAMHere #InvictusSpirit 💛🖤,” The Invictus Games wrote via X in June.
ESPN also expressed excitement over the three “incredible individuals” that are being honored at this year’s ESPYS. In addition to Harry, former NFL safety Steve Gleason will receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for his heroic fight against ALS.
University of South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley is being honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance after achieving the perfect season culminating in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship title.
These honorees have used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities, demonstrating incredible resilience, positivity and perseverance,” Kate Jackson, ESPN’s Vice President of Production, said in a statement last month. “And we’re thrilled to celebrate them at The 2024 ESPYS.”
The 2024 ESPY Awards on ABC Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. ET
💥 “Taylor Swift’s DISASTROUSLY Funny First Call With Travis Kelce Leaves Fans Screaming—and Melting!” What should have been a simple hello exploded into full-blown chaos when Taylor Swift couldn’t stop interrupting Travis Kelce, leaving the NFL star fumbling for a joke that utterly flopped. Fans are calling the awkward, unfiltered exchange “pure comedy gold,” a rare glimpse at the superstar’s hilariously human side. From uncontrollable laughter to heart-melting swoons, everyone watching was glued to the screen. This wasn’t just a phone call—it was a perfectly chaotic spark that proves Taylor and Travis are destined for unforgettable, laugh-out-loud chemistry. WATCH MORE BELOW 👇👇👇
Though Paige Spiranac’s cheating allegations made all the noise, she quietly did an incredible thing behind the scenes….See more ⤵️
The Supreme Court just dealt a major blow to Donald Trump! His ambitious ballroom plan has been struck down, with judges ruling his demolition of the White House East Wing illegal. Trump is now ordered to rebuild what he tore down — a shocking twist in presidential history!! Full Details⤵️
The locker room fell silent as Travis Kelce finally took off his gloves and threw them into the locker—hard enough to make everyone turn around. His face was still red from the 28-31 loss, his jaw clenched, his breathing ragged, as if he had been holding back the truth since the final whistle. And then, without warning, he broke down. “We wouldn’t be in this situation if the referees made fair decisions.”The words hit the room like a punch. No metaphor. No hesitation. Just utter frustration from a leader who rarely lets the fire burn so openly. The players stared at each other, replaying every controversial moment in their heads—the flags, the missed calls, the chaos of the final minutes.Kelce wasn’t pointing fingers to deflect blame; he sounded like a man who had reached his breaking point.But…See more ⤵️
SAD NEWS: Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid and his beloved wife Lauren Kyle McDavid are facing an incredibly painful chapter as heartbreaking news has emerged — and the deeply emotional message McDavid shared has left fans stunned and truly moved… Full story⤵️
Former FBI Agent REVEALS Hidden Truth Behind the Alleged National Guard Shooter A former FBI agent has released startling new details about Lakanwal, the Afghan national now under federal investigation, raising urgent questions about how he entered the U.S. despite alarming gaps in his background screening. Sources say internal records and intelligence ties from his past may hold answers that were overlooked during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. As investigators rush to determine whether his troubling shift happened before or after arriving in America, the case is rapidly evolving into one of the most unsettling… Full details ⤵️
Taylor swift finally breaks silence on pregnancy rumor as she confirmed she’s truly pregnant but not for Travis…See more ⤵️
“PAPA KING… YOU CAN’T TAKE US AWAY!” — Princess Lilibet Choked Out As She And Archie Were Officially Stripped Of Titles, Erased From The Royal Bloodline, And Denied Any Claim To Privilege. Meghan, Cold And Defiant, Fired Back: “TAKE EVERYTHING ELSE — OUR VOICE, OUR SPIRIT, WILL NEVER BE TAKEN.” Harry, Trembling With Anguish, Whispered: “THEY’RE MY CHILDREN… AND NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE THAT.” King Charles, Voice Sharp And Unyielding, Declared: “THE RULES OF THE CROWN APPLY TO ALL — NO ONE IS ABOVE THE MONARCHY.” As The Palace Delivered Its Ruthless Verdict And Royal History Was Brutally Rewritten, The Sussex Family Stood Defiant — A Legacy Torn, But A Fight That Has ONLY JUST BEGUN….FULL CLIP & DETAILS BELOW⤵️
ABSOLUTE SHOCKER: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce DROP BOMBSHELL ANNOUNCEMENT—Fans Left Speechless as Power Couple Unleash News NO ONE Saw Coming.. 😱👇
“WAIT… DID BRITTANY JUST SAY THAT?!” — MAHOMES FAMILY’S SWEET THANKSGIVING PHOTO TURNS SHOCKING AS ONE EMOTIONAL SENTENCE FROM BRITTANY DROPS A SECRET HINT ABOUT THEIR FUTURE. THE INTERNET IS LOSING IT! Fans expected cozy vibes, cute kids, and holiday smiles — but nobody expected Brittany to slip in a subtle, heartfelt line that instantly sparked rumors, theories, and a flood of “WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?!” comments across social media. Did she just make a promise… or reveal a plan? WATCH MORE BELOW 👇👇👇
Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch broke the silence with a fiery statement defending Connor McDavid: “What’s happening to him is a crime against hockey — a blatant betrayal of everything this sport stands for. How can people be so cruel? Criticizing a man who’s led this offense with heart, shows up every single night, plays through pain, gives everything he has, never seeks attention, never blames anyone — just fights for the Edmonton Oilers? To me, Connor McDavid is one of the most relentless and selfless players this league has ever seen — and instead of questioning his value every time the team hits a rough patch, people should be standing behind him.” Read more⤵️
