Prince Harry has reportedly been left “stunned” by the backlash over his nomination for the ESPY’s Pat Tillman Award for Service, which celebrates his efforts with the Invictus Games. The Royal is slated to attend the star-studded event on July 11.
The accolade is in memory of former footballer Pat Tillman who, after the tragedy of 9/11, swapped a lucrative $3.8 million NFL contract for military service, only to tragically lose his life in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan two decades ago.
Recently, Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary, expressed her dismay to the Daily Mail, stating: “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award. There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans. These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams also weighed in with his views to The Sun, remarking: “It’s a very, very sad situation, and I think this is one of the reasons Mary Tillman, the mother of Pat, believes that Harry isn’t fit, and that is a wasted opportunity. In my opinion, I think it’s been a tragedy all round.”
The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly), hosted by sports broadcasting giant ESPN, shines a light on the unsung heroes of the sporting world. Last year, the Pat Tillman award was given to the Buffalo Bills football team’s training staff after they successfully revived a player on the pitch, according to Mirror US.
ESPN has decided to recognise Prince Harry for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport”. However, this decision has sparked some controversy.
The Telegraph reported that “anything relating to his military record and work with veterans, it is a particularly bitter pill to swallow, one source admitted”.
Insiders told the publication: “Harry’s legacy on Invictus, the things he has achieved, that’s his real passion. This is the space in which he truly feels at home, it is something he deeply cares about. The reaction certainly took the shine off the award.”