Connect with us

CELEBRITIES

ESPN Responds to Pat Tillman’s Mom’s Complaint About ‘Controversial’ Prince Harry Receiving ESPY Award

Published

on

 

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

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ROYAL FAMILY1 hour ago

Congratulations to Kate and William! The DNA test results of Lilibet are finally out after 4 years of concealment: “Lilibet’s biological father turns out to be….” See more below 👇

NFL10 hours ago

FROM TRAGEDY TO HERO: After a newborn baby was heartbreakingly abandoned, NHL star of the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid, made a life-changing decision… Just hours after the baby was found, hockey legend Connor McDavid stunned the nation and touched millions of hearts around the world: he stepped in as the child’s legal guardian, pledging to cover all expenses until the child turns 18. From sorrow to hope — one father’s compassion is rewriting the future of this child… Full Story Below 👇👇👇

NFL17 hours ago

BREAKING NEWS: Player superstar Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Donates Entire $24.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative to Help Fund 150 Units Housing with 300 Shelter Beds… “I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew if I ever had the means, I’d give back in a meaningful way….See more ⤵️

NEWS18 hours ago

Connor McDavid’s girlfriend sent a four-word “threatening” text message to coach Kris Knoblauch after what happened recently between Connor McDavid and EDMONTON OILERS. Full story 👇

NFL24 hours ago

Breaking News:BABY NO.4”: OMG!! Social Media Reacts as Patrick Mahomes and Wife Brittany Announce They’re Expecting Again — Just Few Months After Baby No.3 Arrived! See More😱👇

NFL1 day ago

🚨SILENCE IN THE MAHOMES MANSION! Newborn’s Strange Condition Revealed! Family Plunged Into Gloom! What’s Wrong With the Baby? The Shocking Revelation That’s Devastating the Family! Prayers Needed… See more here😢🙏👇

ROYAL FAMILY1 day ago

“‘I’m sorry, my sons…’ — King Charles confesses a horrifying truth about Diana’s death, leaving William and Harry in tears and Britain in shock: ‘It wasn’t an accident…’” See more below 👇👇👇

NEWS1 day ago

BREAKING: A serious traffic accident has just occurred when a passenger bus has gone off the road and overturned downhill in a mountainous area. Rescue teams are trying to find and assist those involved.The exact number of casualties has not been confirmed, but they confirmed that among them is a family member of world-famous Connor McDavid…. Full details 👇

ROYAL FAMILY2 days ago

TRUTH OUT! Harry and Meghan Panic After Palace Drops Final Proof About Archie & Lilibet identity

NFL2 days ago

💔 HEARTBREAK IN KANSAS CITY: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Mourn Devastating Announcement — Chiefs Locker Room in Tears 😢 Check ⬇️

NEWS3 days ago

GRATITUDE: The Edmonton Oilers have approved $3.8 million to build a statue of legend Canadian Wayne Gretzky outside Rogers Place in recognition of his tremendous contributions during his time with the Edmonton Oilers.. Full details 👇

NEWS3 days ago

Shocking news: Oilers announce Trent Frederic is stepping away from hockey due to health issues. Trent Frederic is dealing with a hip issue that will require bilateral femur reconstruction, with no guarantee of success. Full details 👇

Copyright © 2024 UKtalkin