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 FAMILY24 minutes ago

BREAKING NEWS: KATE MIDDELTON has warmed the hearts of fans by donating $50 million to support victims and aid in the search and rescue of those missing in the devastating flash floods in Texas. — A family lost their son in the flood until Kate Middelton showed up and did ONE THING that brought hope to a broken heart .💔👑FULL DETAILS👇

ROYAL FAMILY2 hours ago

1 MIN AGO! “King Charles and William devastated after doctors reveal Harry’s diagnosis — Meghan collapses: ‘My husband has inherited a disease from…'” See more below 👇👇👇

NEWS2 hours ago

During the hockey player trade period, Dallas Stars has set its sights directly on the brightest star of the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid. New head coach Glen Gulutzan confidently presents 5 convincing reasons for McDavid to join the team. He offers a 10-year contract worth $500 million – the highest salary in NHL history…See more ⤵️

NFL14 hours ago

SHOCKWAVES ACROSS THE NFL: Kansas City Chiefs Trade Superstar Quarterback Patrick Mahomes to Las Vegas Raiders Read the 👇

ROYAL FAMILY17 hours ago

“I know Lilibet is not my daughter by blood, but what can I do? I still love her deeply,” Harry confesses for the first time about his daughter’s DNA results — leaving Meghan speechless: “Lilibet’s real father is…” SEE MORE BELOW 👇👇👇

NFL22 hours ago

BREAKING NEWS: Nearly 3 tons of food were transported by 6 private planes that took off from The Kansas City to Texas! The Mahomes sign appeared on the planes, making everyone stunned, revealing the real person behind this humanitarian act that made millions of people cry✈️🍲💔

NEWS22 hours ago

Team USA demands cancellation of 4 Nations Face-off final results following their loss to Canada, threatens to leave tournament. Full story 👇👇👇

TENNIS1 day ago

BREAKING: Tennis star Coco Gauff has donated $3.0 million to support victims and aid in the search and rescue of those missing in the devastating flash floods in Texas. Fans were stunned to learn that Coco Gauff personally traveled to the disaster site to offer hands-on help… Details 👇👇

NFL1 day ago

BREAKING NEWS : ‘Cherished’ Coach and Wife, Found Dead in Texas Flood Rescue 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧⤵️

NFL1 day ago

“UPDATE: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS COACH ANDY REID COVERS FUNERAL EXPENSES AND PROVIDES FINANCIAL AID TO VICTIMS’ FAMILIES AFTER TEXAS FLASH FLOODS”

ROYAL FAMILY2 days ago

Terrible! Princess Anne reveals the truth about King Charles’s real illness — turns out it’s not cancer: ‘I was forced to keep it a secret, but I can’t anymore…’”See more ⤵️

NFL2 days ago

When Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes heard the devastating news—a massive flood in Texas had claimed 51 lives, including 27 young girls who vanished when the waters tore through their summer camp—he broke down. This wasn’t just another headline. This was heartbreak. Overwhelmed with emotion, Patrick Mahomes didn’t hesitate. He donated $1,000,000 to the relief fund , “Texas,” would go toward helping the state heal. But it wasn’t the money that hit people hardest. It was the letter he sent to the parents of those 27 missing girls. Handwritten. Raw. Full of aching compassion.. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 👇👇

Copyright © 2024 UKtalkin