Past recipients include Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, who waged a high-profile campaign to persuade the Government to provide free meals to vulnerable youngsters during the Covid pandemic.
A petition swiftly launched on change.org urged ESPN to rethink its decision.Within ten days it boasted almost 68,000 signatures.
“Pat Tillman exemplified duty, honour, and sacrifice,” it said. “He gave up his successful NFL career to serve his country after the 9/11 attacks, and tragically lost his life during his service. Awarding this honour to someone who does not reflect the award’s intent diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.”
‘They need a new category’
On June 29, former NFL player Pat McAfee criticised the decision on his ESPN show, saying: “We should celebrate sports. The worldwide leaders should celebrate sport but doing something like this is obviously trying to p— people off.”
He suggested they create a new category specifically for Prince Harry. “How about it’s like ESPY for Royal Family member who doesn’t want to be called ‘Royal Family member’ who loves sports?”
Co-host Boston Connor said it was “probably the most embarrassing thing I’ve seen in my entire life” while guest Ty Schmitt called the awards “a gimmick”.
The furore really took off the following day, when Tillman’s mother, Mary, told the Mail on Sunday: “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.”
Among the publications which picked up the story were the New York Times and Vanity Fair.
By then, ESPN felt obliged to defend its decision, stepping in to hail the “incredible” work of the Invictus Games. The intervention was well-received by an increasingly frustrated Team Sussex.
Harry defended
Jake Wood, a former Pat Tillman Award recipient, later defended Prince Harry on TMZ Live, saying: “He’s a royal prince, there’s 100 different things he could have done with his life after his service in the British Armed Forces but he’s chosen to dedicate a big portion of his post-military life to helping veterans.”
Predictably, the debacle has done nothing to dampen interest in the awards. One television consultant, who works for Disney and ESPN, said: “Prince Harry getting this award has drawn insane eyeballs to this show.
“The fact that so many people are talking about Harry and this honour will delight those at the top. They will stand firm on him getting it and also behind closed doors be excited that such a decision has prompted such interest in this night.
“Like it or loathe it, Harry draws interest and potentially bigger ratings – so they will keep him there.”