ESPN has hit back at criticisms surrounding the decision to give Prince Harry a prestigious award at the upcoming ESPYS ceremony, hailing the “incredible” work of the Invictus Games Foundation.
Sky News host Rita Panahi says a petition has already been launched to demand ESPN rescind the honour given to Prince Harry.
The Duke of Sussex is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service, created in honour of NFL player-turned-US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who joined the military after the 9/11 attacks.
Mr Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, over the weekend spoke out on the issue, saying she was “shocked” by the decision to give Prince Harry the award.
“Not only is he a divisive, controversial figure, but what has he done to deserve such an honour? You would think there would be so many more worthy people who would be better suited to take this award,” Ms Panahi said.
The US sports network announced last week the Duke of Sussex would receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service as its upcoming ESPY award ceremony in Los Angeles.
The award is given to a person with a “strong connection to sports” who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, ESPN said.
Prince Harry is set to be honoured with the award next week. Picture: Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation
Mr Tillman joined the military after the 9/11 attacks and was tragically killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals.
The decision to give Prince Harry the award drew criticism online and from various commentators, with Mr Tillman’s own mother saying she was “shocked” by the move and thought there were other recipients who were “far more fitting”.
Ms Tillman does not currently sit on the foundation’s board nor is she part of the staff team or award selection process.
“ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world,” the network said in a statement emailed to SkyNews.com.au.
“While 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.”
‘To Di For’ podcast host Kinsey Schofield says there’s a lot of pushback over the decision to honour Prince Harry at the ESPY sports awards this month.
“ESPN – one of their most highly paid, highly rated – Pat McAfee, on his show, they described this nomination as probably the most embarrassing thing they’ve seen in their entire lives,” Ms Schofield told Sky News host Rita Panahi.
“This is their employer and they questioned whether the ESPY’s awards committee even did their homework on its candidate search in the first place.”
The network previously said Prince Harry had “continued his service” after 10 years in the British Armed Forces by creating the Games to support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, both active-duty and veterans, who navigate both physical and invisible injuries.
“Now celebrating its tenth year, The Invictus Games has evolved into a globally celebrated and acclaimed organization that celebrates resilience, community, and healing through the power of sport.”
The ESPY award ceremony will kick off on July 11 in the Los Angeles Dolby Theatre hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams.