Prince Harry called 'divisive' by Pat Tillman's mother after he wins award set up to honor war hero

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Prince Harry is to receive the memorial award set up in the memory of US war hero Pat Tillman for making a “positive impact” in the veteran community through his Invictus Games, but everyone is not happy with him receiving the award, with the mother of Tillman leading the charge.

Tillman’s mother, Mary expressed her shock over the choice of Harry as the recipient of this year’s award and said the Duke of Sussex is a “divisive individual” as opposed to the unifying idea behind the memorial award. Tillman’s mother further said that many unsung heroes are more deserving of the recognition.

Pat Tillman’s mother criticizes Prince Harry’s nomination

Harry is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly), conducted by sports network ESPN. 

According to ESPN, the royal is honored for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport” with his Invictus Games, per Daily Mail. 

The Pat Tillman Award is traditionally associated with the unsung heroes of this field. Last year, the Buffalo Bills American football team's support staff was recognized for their exceptional handling of the situation on the field when one of their players was having health complications. 

This award is given in memory of Tillman, who gave up a $3 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist as an Army Ranger in the aftermath of 9/11. The war hero unfortunately passed away in the warfare in Afghanistan in 2004.

Tillman’s mother is criticizing the decision to honor the British prince with the award associated with her son’s name and said she was not consulted while deciding on this year’s recipient. 

Per Daily Mail, Mary Tillman said, “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.”

She continued to criticize the situation, adding, “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 recognized,” continued the mother. 

However, it is not only Mary who is against the notion of honoring but also several other general public joined the outcry. 

A petition has been sent to ESPN urging them to think again, claiming Harry had been “involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honor of this magnitude.”

The petition continued, “Awarding this honor to someone who does not reflect the award’s intent diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.”

A source close to Tillman’s family recently shared with an outlet, per Daily Mail, “It’s incredibly hurtful that the family had no say in this. Pat Tillman was a unifying force for good. Harry is divisive. There are many unsung heroes who are far more deserving.”

Prince Harry gets slammed for accepting the award

The outrage among the fans also increased to the extent that some of them demanded Harry to politely decline the award. 

One of the netizens commented online, "So, I’m a little surprised at how much I’ve commented on this story - and I think it’s because as a veteran myself with over 40 years of service, I am just incensed about this situation. Harry will not humbly and honourably decline, it’s already on their website, and that just speaks volumes to their character. Not even remotely a worthy recipient."

Someone else said, "Couldn’t agree more! This kind of award doesn’t belong to someone who has the money, connections, PR, etc. to publish their good deeds. This should go to someone who does things without any headlines and because he/she just is that kind of person who does good for the community and individuals."

""The Pat Tillman Award has previously been given to unsung heroes," and Harry is certainly NOT an unsung hero! -- And why didn't ESPN consult with Pat Tillman's mother before announcing its decision?" said someone else.

Another fan cried in outrage, "What an insult to Pat Tillman's legacy. Tillman was a brave man of outstanding character. The complete opposite of Harry. Please don't give him this award. There are good upstanding men out there who really deserve it."

Someone else commented, "Exceptionally heartbreaking. Sounds like Harry’s PR team might have bought this award. I wonder if they think this will help with his Visa should it be questioned."

Another social media user said, "No disrespect to Prince Harry is intended, but an American should receive this award who has dedicate their lives to serving others without the expectation of recognition, and one who strives to bring people together. The Sussexes are not known for healing relationships."

"I think there should be a public outcry, and someone of stature (like Mrs. Tillman, et al) who demand that Harry turn the award down. Unfortunately, don't think Harry's man enough to send his regrets," said someone else. 

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