Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award at the 2024 ESPYs next month, but the decision has sparked considerable backlash. Critics, including the mother of the late athlete Pat Tillman, argue that other individuals are more deserving of the honor.
Mary Tillman, the mother of Pat Tillman, expressed her dismay at the selection. “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she told the Daily Mail. “There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”
Her sentiments echo the growing frustration among many who feel the award should go to someone more aligned with Tillman’s legacy. A petition on Change.org urging ESPN to “Rethink Awarding the Pat Tillman Award to Prince Harry” has garnered nearly 20,000 signatures. Patti Mickel, who started the petition, highlighted Tillman’s “undeniably remarkable” patriotism and ultimate sacrifice, qualities she feels Prince Harry lacks.
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