ESPN is on the defensive over its decision to honor Prince Harry with an award that has been given to veterans, paralympic athletes and essential workers.The Duke of Sussex is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11.Named in honor of late NFL star Pat Tillman, who enlisted in the Army after Sept. 11 and died in combat in 2004, the award recognizes those with a strong connection to sports who have gone on to serve others in a way that echoes Tillman.FILE – Pat Tillman marches as guidon bearer during graduation ceremonies for his unit Oct. 25, 2002, at Fort Benning, Ga. (AP Photo/Columbus Ledger Enquirer, Mike Haskey)ESPN announced in June that Prince Harry — who himself served for 10 years in the British Army — was selected for the award due to his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport” with The Invictus Games, his Olympics-style tournament for wounded veterans.But not everyone was pleased with their decision to champion the runaway royal.As of Tuesday afternoon, a Change.org petition calling for ESPN to rethink the honor had received over 46,000 signatures after launching last Thursday.The late soldier’s mother, Mary Tillman, said she was “shocked” by Prince Harry being named for the award, calling him “such a controversial and divisive individual” in statements confirmed by NBC News.“There are recipients that are far more fitting,” she said. “There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”ESPN meanwhile said it has the support of the Pat Tillman Foundation, which was founded by his widow, Marie. She currently serves as chair of the foundation’s board.“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,” the network said in a statement.
sekar nallalu Celebrities,Cryptocurrency,entertainment,network,Sports,Things to Do ESPN responds to backlash over Prince Harry’s Pat Tillman sports award