Why Prince Harry’s ESPY Award Is Sparking Backlash

Transcript

00:00Prince Harry is set to be honored by ESPN at the upcoming ESPY Awards.

00:05This year, the Duke of Sussex has been named as the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for his work with the Invictus Games Foundation,

00:12but the decision is being met with backlash from the mother of the man who the award is named after.

00:18Pat Tillman's mom, Mary Tillman, has spoken out against the prince receiving the award.

00:24She tells Daily Mail,

00:25I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.

00:31There are recipients that are far more fitting.

00:34There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.

00:40These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has.

00:46I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized.

00:50Now, according to the Tillman Foundation, the award honors an individual with a strong connection to sports

00:56who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of Tillman, who was a former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger.

01:03Pat Tillman was playing for the Cardinals when he decided to quit to join the Army in the year following the 9-11 attacks.

01:11He died in Afghanistan in 2004 at 27 years old.

01:15While his mother is not directly involved with the foundation that works with ESPN to select the award recipient,

01:22Pat's widow is.

01:23Marie Tillman Shenton founded the Tillman Foundation and is the chair of the organization.

01:29ESPN has responded to the criticism, saying in a statement,

01:33ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex,

01:39specifically for the work of the Invictus Games Foundation,

01:43as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for the world.

01:48While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award,

01:53the Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.

02:01Prince Harry started the Invictus Games Foundation,

02:03which held its first international multi-sport event in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women,

02:10both serving and veterans.

02:12The organization aims to help affected Armed Forces personnel recover through sports.

02:18The Prince was in London earlier this year, celebrating the Invictus Games' 10th anniversary.

02:24The ESPN Awards are set for Thursday, July 11th.

02:33ESPN