PRINCE Harry’s selection as this year’s recipient of ESPN’s Pat Tillman ESPY Award for Service left many of us Americans surprised.
Behind our shores, many see the Duke of Sussex as a controversial figure who betrayed his family and, against the wishes of his much-admired and beloved grandmother, traded away his royal title in exchange for financial gain and public recognition.
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This episode, which is not the first of its kind involving Harry, raises significant questions
questions about the value of such Hollywood awards and the broader implications of rewarding public figures based on their profile rather than their achievements.
The Pat Tillman Award, named in honor of the former NFL player who left a lucrative sports career to serve in the U.S. military and ultimately sacrificed his life for his country, has a deeply symbolic value.
Pat Tillman embodies the spirit of altruism, duty and patriotism, having made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
In stark contrast, Prince Harry’s actions demonstrated a departure from these ideals, having abandoned his country and royal service to pursue selfish goals.
Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother, openly expressed her dismay at Harry’s selection, describing him as a “controversial and divisive individual” and stating that there are “much more suitable” recipients within the veteran community.
His comments reflect a broader sentiment among those who believe Harry’s nomination diminishes the value of the award and disrespects Tillman’s legacy.
Since stepping back from royal duties, Harry has been involved in several high-profile media ventures, including lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, and public interviews in which he criticized his family and the monarchy.
The Tillman Award aims to recognize individuals who have exemplified service, character and leadership.
Although Harry has been involved in charitable initiatives, particularly through his work with veterans and the Invictus Games, these efforts do not outweigh his more controversial actions and public statements.
The award should be given to someone whose contributions most closely align with Tillman’s example of selfless service and sacrifice.
Public backlash was significant, with a Change.org petition urging ESPN to reconsider the decision garnering more than 70,000 signatures.
The petition claims that awarding Prince Harry “diminishes his value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.”
This sentiment is echoed by many who feel that Harry’s high profile and privilege overshadow more deserving candidates who do not possess his resources and connections.
Critics, including former NFL player Pat McAfee, called the decision “embarrassing,” accusing ESPN of trying to stir up controversy instead of honoring true service.
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The reaction reportedly left Prince Harry “stunned” and saddened, as he considers his work with veterans and the Invictus Games his true passion.
Yet for many Americans, his personal controversies and alleged exploitation of his royal status for financial gain overshadow his charitable efforts.
Earlier this year, Prince Harry’s induction into the Aviation Living Legends Hall of Fame drew similar criticism.
Who was Pat Tillman?
The late Pat Tillman is remembered as a hero by many in the US.
In 2002, he gave up a £3 million NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the US Army following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Pat served in Iraq and Afghanistan until 2004, when he was killed by friendly fire. Initially, it was reported that his death was caused by the Taliban.
The American football star, who was just 27 when he died, was one of the most famous soldiers since Elvis Presley.
He was posthumously promoted from specialist to corporal and received the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals.
The Pat Tillman Service Award was created in 2014 to honor the sportsman and war hero.
It is given annually by ESPN at the annual ESPY Awards to people in the sports world who have made significant contributions to the lives of others.
Critics have argued that Harry’s contributions to aviation, serving as a gunner on an Apache helicopter, do not justify such a prestigious title compared to other inducted pilots, and that many other military pilots have accomplished similar or more impressive feats without receiving such recognition.
The idea of rewarding a royal prince who abandoned his duty and capitalized on his title for personal gain is an affront to Pat Tillman’s legacy and is even more misguided than ridiculously naming Harry an “Aviation Legend.”
More discretion must be exercised in the selection of award winners, ensuring that they truly represent the values and qualities
embodied by the prize.
To do otherwise is downright offensive and ridiculous.
Lee Cohen, author and royal commentator, was adviser on Britain to the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
