Pat Tillman’s Mother Outraged Over Prince Harry Receiving Award Named After Her Son

This weekend, Prince Harry found out that ESPN was going to award Prince Harry the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

Tillman, if you recall, was a former NFL player who left the NFL to serve his country, then died in a friendly fire incident.

It is considered one of the more prestigious awards given for service to one’s country outside of the military, and Mrs. Tillman is not happy the award that bears her son’s name will be given to Prince Harry.

Does Not Deserve It

Harry did serve his country in the British Army, having been stationed in Afghanistan for a spell.

He also has a connection to military veterans via the Invictus Games, which he founded.

These games feature veterans from around the world who have suffered war wounds and injuries.

Even so, Mary Tillman believes there are others who are far more deserving of the award.

In protest of Harry receiving the award, she stated, “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 recognized.”

Last year’s recipient of the award was the Buffalo Bills training staff that treated safety Damar Hamlin after he collapsed on the field.

While I respect Harry's work establishing the Invictus Games, I agree with Tillman that we could have kept this award on our soil. There are plenty of people in this country who have connected sports and service and are deserving of the award.

This just seems like a PR tool for Harry using Tillman’s award as the bait.