ESPN has responded to criticism over its decision to present Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award.

The honour is given to someone who has used their connection to the sports world to positively impact the lives of others. Harry is set to receive it for his work with The Invictus Games Foundation.

But a petition has been set up calling for ESPN to ‘rethink’ their decision, which has so far amassed more than 42,000 signatures. Pat’s own mother has also expressed her upset at the decision, telling the Daily Mail: “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 recognised.”

ESPN has now responded to the criticism, telling The Hollywood Reporter in a statement, “ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honouring 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.

“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 decision has become a talking point in America, with Pat McAfee – a former NFL player who worked for ESPN – saying: “A lot of conversation about Pat Tillman’s name, American hero … Now there’s an award named after him, as there should be in the sports world because that is somebody who is the definition of selfless…It’s going to Prince Harry, who I don’t even think is a prince anymore.

“I don’t know anything about him except for the South Park episode and what I’ve learned from The Crown,” McAfee admitted. “But did his people know like, ‘you publicly put me up for this award. You’re just asking basically every person that considers themselves American and saying ‘this is bulls—.'”

Boston Connor, McAfee’s show co-host, labelled Prince Harry’s nomination as “probably the most embarrassing thing I’ve seen in my entire life”.

Ty Schmitt, another member of McAfee’s on-air team, further criticised ESPN, calling the awards “a gimmick” and arguing that numerous deserving American military members were overlooked. “There are probably hundreds, if not thousands of people who they could have found who could have benefitted from this award. But instead let’s give it to Prince Harry,” he said.

Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014. It is a multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both active service and veterans.

The Invictus Games wrote via X in June of the upcoming honour, “Thank you to the @ESPYS for honouring the founding of the #InvictusGames Foundation by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and our work to support the rehabilitation of the international wounded, injured or sick service community.”

A spokesperson for the Duke declined to comment.

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