ESPN camera (left), and Pat Tillman's mother (right)

ESPN camera and Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman (Photos via Getty Images)
Mary Tillman is not happy with ESPN’s decision to honor Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award and has blasted the network over it.

The Duke of Sussex is set to be handed said awardthis month, but Tillman’s mother reckons there are others who are more deserving.

Mary spoke to the Daily Mail in a recent interview, revealing she and her family were not consulted ahead of what she described as a shocking choice.

“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she told the publication. “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 recognized.”

Mary Tillman upset with ESPN for giving Pat Tillman Award to Prince Harry. https://t.co/TBUgkhzG5B

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 1, 2024

Also Read: VIDEO: Aaron Rodgers Floats Disturbing New Conspiracy Theory About Pat Tillman’s Death That Will Probably Upset Fans

Why ESPN Is Honoring Prince Harry With The Pat Tillman Award

The Prince will be handed the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs on July 11.

The award is presented to someone with “a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman.”

Prince Harry is being honored with the award because of his work in helping found the Invictus Games Foundation in 2014. Having served in the British Army for 10 years, the 39-year-old launched the games as a means of including wounded and sick servicemen and women in meaningful competition.

“A lot of conversation about Pat Tillman’s name. American hero…Now there’s an award named after him, as there should be in the sports world because that is somebody who is the definition of selfless. It’s going to Prince Harry. Who I don’t even think is a prince anymore. See,… pic.twitter.com/eLx3rO2M1h

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 28, 2024

ESPN’s decision has been met with much opposition, including from their own employee, Pat McAfee.

Also Read: NFL Called Out For ‘Whitewashing’ Pat Tillman’s Death Before The Super Bowl