Prince Harry to receive ESPY Award - Decision faces strong headwind
Prince Harry (39) will be honored for his work with the Invictus Games Foundation in July. A few days ago, it was announced that the Royal will receive the "Pat Tillman Award for Service" at the ESPY-Awards. However, there is now strong opposition, including from the mother of the veteran after whom the award is named.
Regarding the "Pat Tillman Award for Service," it is an award given to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served in a way that reflects the legacy of former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman (1976-2004). Tillman joined the military after September 11, 2001, and was killed by friendly fire during an operation in Afghanistan in 2004.
Tillman's Mother Speaks Out Against Harry as Award Presenter
According to the British "Daily Mail," Tillman's mother Mary stated that she was not consulted about the decision to give the award to Prince Harry. "I'm shocked that such a controversial and divisive person was chosen," the newspaper quotes her as saying. In her opinion, there are people who are "much more deserving." "There are people who work in the veteran community and do great things to support veterans. These people don't have the money, resources, connections, or privileges that Prince Harry has. I believe these people should be recognized."
Petition Against Prince Harry
On the platform "change.org," a petition was even opened over the weekend, urging the organizers to reconsider their decision. In it, it is stated: "Prince Harry is a former military officer, but he was involved in controversies that call into question his suitability for an award of this magnitude." By Sunday evening (30. June), the petition had nearly 10,000 signatures.
The ESPY Awards have been given annually by the ESPN media group since 1993, primarily to athletes. In 2023, the award went to the members of the Buffalo Bills football team, who revived a teammate on the field. ESPN announced that Prince Harry would be honored "for his tireless efforts for the veteran community through the power of sports."
- Despite the ongoing opposition, Prince Harry is set to receive the "Pat Tillman Award for Service" at the ESPY Awards, which celebrates athletes and sports-related accomplishments, organized by ESPN since 1993.
- The controversy surrounding Prince Harry's selection as the recipient of the award has led to the creation of a petition on "change.org," urging ESPN to reconsider the decision.
- Mary Tillman, the mother of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman (1976-2004), who the award is named after, expressed her discontent with the selection, stating that she was not consulted and believes there are more deserving individuals in the veteran community.
- Tillman, who joined the military following the September 11 attacks, was tragically killed by friendly fire during an operation in Afghanistan in 2004, and the award honors his legacy by recognizing individuals with strong connections to sports who have served in a significant capacity.
- Prince Harry will be honored for his work with the Invictus Games Foundation, which provides support and a platform for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women and veterans, through the power of sport.
- Strong headwinds are blowing in the direction of Prince Harry's award presentation at the ESPY Awards, as the controversy continues to gain traction and spark heated discussions about the merits of recognizing individuals in high-profile platforms.
