Prince Harry was defended by a TV network in a new statement after a petition was launched to stop the Duke of Sussex from receiving an award.
ESPN has responded to the backlash against their decision to honour Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award, which is given to someone who has used their connection to sports to positively impact others in the US.
Tillman was an NFL player who decided to join the US Army after 9/11 and served in Iraq and Afghanistan before being killed in 2004.
Harry will have the honour bestowed upon him due to his work with the Invictus Games, set up 10 years ago as a sporting tournament for injured or sick service personnel.
Harry defended by TV network in new statement after backlash over award
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However, a petition has since been set up asking ESPN to rethink their choice, which so far has amassed over 42,000 signatures, with Pat’s mother Mary Tillman also questioning Harry’s suitability.
She told The Mail: “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.
Prince Harry is set to be honoured with the Pat Tillman Award
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“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.”
ESPN has now issued a statement explaining their choice, which read: “ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honouring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world.
“While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”
Mary Tillman [right] has spoken out against the duke’s nomination
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Prince Harry stepping out in London as he marked 10th anniversary of Invictus Games
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Pat McAfee, a former NFL player who presents on ESPN, said: “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. I don’t know anything about him except for the South Park episode and what I’ve learned from The Crown.”
The Invictus Games Foundation issued a response on social media to the award nomination.
The Foundation wrote: “Thank you to the @ESPYS for honouring the founding of the #InvictusGames Foundation by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and our work to support the rehabilitation of the international wounded, injured or sick service community.”
