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
SHOCK: Brittany Mahomes Files Formal Petition to the U.S. House of Representatives Demanding a Full Investigation and Impeachment Proceedings Against Donald Trump Over Alleged Abuse of Power, Violation of Public Trust and the Epstein emails. And also declaring to proceed with an undeniable evidence…🫢 👉 FULL STORY⤵️
BREAKING NEWS: Gavin Newsom just delivered a thunderous message that left some of the world’s richest and most influential people frozen in their seats — and then he backed it up with action… At a lavish black-tie gala in Manhattan — a room overflowing with billionaires, couture gowns, champagne towers, and egos big enough to cast shadows — Gavin Newsom stepped onto the stage to accept a prestigious Leadership Impact Award. Everyone expected a polished, diplomatic speech. Everyone expected safe applause lines. Everyone expected politics-as-usual. Instead, they got a shockwave. Rather than thanking corporate donors, praising elite partnerships, or reading a carefully massaged PR script, Newsom looked directly at a room filled with some of the wealthiest people on Earth — including Mark Zuckerberg and several Wall Street titans — and said: “If you’re blessed with wealth, use it to bless others. No one should build palaces while children have no homes. If you have more than you need, it isn’t truly yours — it belongs to those in need” The room went dead silent. Eyewitnesses said Zuckerberg and other tech magnates sat completely still — frozen, unsmiling, hands motionless above their napkins. No applause. No polite nods. Just the quiet shock of people hearing a truth sharper than any speechwriter would dare deliver. Of course they didn’t clap. Truth makes the comfortable uneasy. Because Gavin Newsom wasn’t speaking about envy — he was speaking about moral responsibility. A responsibility too many in that room preferred not to acknowledge. But he didn’t stop at words. What Gavin Newsom did next left many shocked and stunned…READ MORE BELOW👇👇👇
Head coach Kris Knoblauch spoke with visible sadness after the painful loss to the Minnesota Wild: “I let everyone down — this defeat is my fault.” However, his sincere apology was not enough to calm the storm of anger from fans. The 0–1 loss at home sparked a wave of harsh criticism directed at Knoblauch — everything from his tactics, his line rotations, to the team’s overall effort was questioned. But everything changed unexpectedly when Knoblauch’s wife, unable to endure the intense backlash aimed at her husband, revealed what he had silently endured in the days leading up to the game — a revelation that left Oilers fans both stunned and deeply sympathetic toward their head coach… full details ⤵️
TRAGIC UPDATE: 28 Minutes Ago in Kansas City, Missouri — Andy Reid, the 67-Year-Old Beloved Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, Is Now at the Center of a Deeply Emotional Announcement. His Wife, Tammy Reid, Has Just Delivered a Heartfelt and Urgent Message That Has Stunned Chiefs Kingdom and Football Fans Nationwide. Full story ⤵️
The Supreme Court Issues Emergency Order Freezing Donald Trump’s White House Ballroom Construction Amid $5B Heritage and Environmental Protection Lawsuit Filed by Preserve America. Full details ⤵️
🔥ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” The Florida Panthers will no longer stay silent. After countless whispers, after every scornful glance aimed at Jack Studnicka, the team has taken decisive action: they’ve called him back. This is not a favor — this is a declaration of war.They refuse to let anyone label a player who never bows, never backs down, as a…. See more ⤵️
BREAKING 🚨: Taylor Swift Sparks Pregnancy Buzz AGAIN 👶 Revealing baby gender and name watch video ⤵️
“We are deeply saddened to announce that…” Kate Middleton and William simultaneously declared that a tragedy has truly struck a member of the royal family: Confirming the rumors are true… See more below 👇👇👇
From heartbreak to fairy-tale magic in just days! Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s stunning wedding invitations have fans gasping, swooning, and flooding social media with theories. After the Chiefs’ crushing loss to the Cowboys, this unexpected reveal turned sorrow into sheer excitement, with every lavish detail sparking obsession and debate. Elegant calligraphy, jaw-dropping design, and hints of a celebration straight out of a storybook it’s no wonder fans are calling it the ultimate “mood-changer.” Don’t blink… this is one viral moment you won’t want to miss! Full story below 👇👇👇
Connor McDavid and his wife, Lauren Kyle McDavid, just set social media on fire with a surprising announcement — they’ve welcomed their first child! 👶💥 But what truly made the internet explode wasn’t just the joyful news — it was the baby’s name! 💖 They waited nine long months. They kept everything completely private. Then, on a quiet morning, they posted a single photo. A newborn baby, gently cradled in Lauren Kyle McDavid’s arms. A bright, joyful smile spread across Connor McDavid’s face. And yet, what melted everyone’s hearts wasn’t just the image — it was the baby’s name… 💖 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿 ⤵️
😰😰”WORSE THAN ANYONE IMAGINED…’” 1 MINUTE AGO! Prince William, visibly trembling, has confirmed the horrifying truth about Prince Andrew — a secret buried by the Palace for decades. Tears filled the royal chamber as William whispered: “It’s worse than anyone thought…” Royal aides stood frozen. Reporters swarmed the Palace gates. And then came the words that sent shockwaves through the monarchy: “Oh God… Andrew has…” SEE MORE BELOW 👇👇
