The Pat Tillman award was inaugurated to honour anyone “with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of Pat Tillman” said an ESPN spokesperson.
Pat Tillman was an NFL player who left his team in order to join the US Army. He was killed by friendly fire whilst on tour in Afghanistan. The ESPN award in his name was first introduced in 2014.
Another Award in his Name
There is more than one Pat Tillman sporting award.
A much older award, introduced in 2005, is given every year by Rosemount Football to “the player that most exemplifies the willingness to serve…while never directing attention to his self.”
Controversial Figure
Prince Harry has been a controversial figure in recent years because of his decision to leave the Royal Family with Meghan and break out on his own.
This has caused a rift in the Royal Family and has divided people all over the world, some of whom believe his speaking out was a brave thing to do and some of whom believe that he is an attention-seeking figure who is disloyal to his family.
Prince Harry Given Award
Controversy nothwithstanding, Prince Harry is the recipient of this year’s Pat Tillman Award.
He was given the award for his work as co-founder of the Invictus Games which enables injured veterans of the armed forces to compete in different sports for medals. It began in 2014. The next Invictus Games will be held in Vancouver in 2025.
Mother Disagrees
Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, who is a teacher, disagrees with the award in her son’s name being given to Prince Harry.
She has gone on record with the Daily Mail saying why she disagrees with the award and that she was not consulted. ESPN have justified their decision in the midst of the backlash.
What They Said
Mary Tillman reportedly said “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. 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 meanwhile, have said that Harry is being honoured because of his “Tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport with his Invictus Games. 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.” There seems no easy resolution to this conflict.
Harry Aware of the Controversy
Prince Harry is certainly aware of the controversy surrounding his receipt of the award.
He responded to it in his acceptance speech, saying “I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality,” he said. “This award belongs to them, not to me.”
Honoured Pat Tillman’s Mother
Prince Harry also honoured Mary Tillman in his speech
He said, “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect. The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”
Meghan in Attendance
This year’s ESPY Awards were hosted by Serena Williams.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was in attendance with her husband at the awards. Mary Tillman did not attend.
Attention for Veterans
Whatever the controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s receipt of the award, it will have drawn more attention to his work with veterans.
It will also have drawn attention to the veterans themselves, what they are capable of, what they achieve even whilst injured or sick and what they have done for their countries.
