This week Prince Harry was targeted by the mother of the late NFL star and war hero Pat Tillman.
Mary Tillman made the comments in response to news that ESPN is planning to honor Harry with a humanitarian award named after his son at this year’s ESPY Awards.
Pat Tillman was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2004.
“I am baffled as to why they chose such a controversial and divisive figure to receive the award,” Mary said. daily Mail This week.
“There are recipients who are much more suitable,” he said.
“There are people working in the veterans community doing great things to help veterans.”
Prince Harry criticized ahead of 2024 ESPY Awards
For those who aren’t familiar with his story, Pat Tillman was the Arizona Cardinals’ star guard who joined the U.S. Army Rangers in response to the 9/11 attacks.
After giving up his multimillion-dollar salary, Tillman served several combat tours before being killed by friendly fire in the mountains of Afghanistan.
In the years since his tragic death, Tillman’s name has become synonymous with service and sacrifice.
And many believe Prince Harry hasn’t earned the right to be mentioned alongside them.
Prince Harry receives criticism from ESPN anchor
Mary Tillman isn’t the only one to criticize the decision to give Harry the award.
Controversial ESPN commentator Pat McAfee reiterated his comments during his latest appearance on the network.
“It’s going to be given to Prince Harry, who I don’t even consider a prince anymore, do I? He said don’t call me that?” McAfee said on her show.
He added, “Look, why do the ESPYs do this? This is literally the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”
ESPN’s decision appears to be a result of Harry’s work with the Invictus Games.
He co-founded the athletic competition for wounded veterans in 2014.
Multiple outlets have contacted Harry’s camp. But the Duke of Sussex has so far declined to comment on the situation.
The 2024 ESPY Awards will take place on July 11, with Serena Williams as the host.
The guest list has been carefully curated, so Harry likely won’t have to hear any dissenting voices when he accepts the award.
But the incident is likely to generate some controversy on social media.