ESPN Responds to Pat Tillman’s Mom’s Grievance About Prince Harry’s ESPY

ESPN is standing by their choice to honor Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award for Provider at the 2024 ESPYS despite backlash from Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman.

“ESPN, with the assistance of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, especially for the function of The Invictus Game titles Foundation as it celebrates its 10th yr advertising and marketing healing via the power of sport for navy service members and veterans close to the earth,” ESPN told Us Weekly in a statement on Monday, July 1.

The firm acknowledged: “While we realize not all people will concur with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Game titles Foundation does amazing function and ESPN believes this is a result in worth celebrating.”

Past week, Harry, 39, was introduced as the receiver of the Pat Tillman Award for Company, which was named in honor of the late NFL star and U.S. Military Ranger. Pat was killed during beat in 2004. The ESPY Award honors the late soldier’s legacy and commends people who have an equally powerful link to sports activities and company.

Although Harry served for 10 years in the British Armed Forces — and gives back again as a result of his Invictus Video games Foundation — some folks were surprised by the decision to give him the coveted award at the impending Thursday, July 11, ceremony.

Pat’s mom, Mary, expressed considerations about the Duke of Sussex remaining named the 2024 receiver, telling the Everyday Mail on Saturday, June 29, “I am stunned as to why they would decide on this kind of a controversial and divisive individual to acquire the award.”

She continued: “There are recipients that are far far more fitting. There are people today doing work in the veteran group that are performing huge issues to assist veterans.”

Mary claimed, “These folks do not have the money, assets, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I come to feel that these kinds of folks ought to be regarded.”

She mentioned that she was not consulted about who must receive the award that is named following her late son.

Inspite of some negative feedback, Harry’s team at The Invictus Online games — which was produced to “celebrate the unconquered human spirit and glow a spotlight on these males and women who served,” for every their internet site — is content to see their founder be celebrated at the awards demonstrate.

“Thank you to the @ESPYS for honouring the founding of the #InvictusGames Basis by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and our do the job to assist the rehabilitation of the global wounded, hurt or ill services community. #IAMHere #InvictusSpirit 💛🖤,” The Invictus Online games wrote by way of X in June.

ESPN also expressed excitement about the 3 “incredible individuals” that are remaining honored at this year’s ESPYS. In addition to Harry, former NFL protection Steve Gleason will obtain the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for his heroic combat towards ALS.

University of South Carolina women’s basketball head mentor Dawn Staley is becoming honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance immediately after reaching the perfect time culminating in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship title.

“These honorees have used their platforms to modify the earth and make it a lot more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities, demonstrating incredible resilience, positivity and perseverance,” Kate Jackson, ESPN’s Vice President of Generation, mentioned in a statement previous month. “And we’re thrilled to celebrate them at The 2024 ESPYS.”

The 2024 ESPY Awards on ABC Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. ET.