‘There are recipients that are far more fitting.'
The mum of an American football star-turned soldier, who died in Afghanistan, has hit out at a decision to give Prince Harry an award set up to honour her son.
Harry will receive The Pat Tillman Award at the ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) in Hollywood next month.
US Broadcaster ESPN, which runs the awards, said the British royal was being honoured for his ‘tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport’ with his Invictus Games.
The gong is usually given to unsung heroes and Tillman’s mother, Mary, is among those criticising ESPN for this year’s choice.
She said she was not consulted over the decision, the MailOnline reports, adding: ‘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.’
Tillman was an American football star who gave up a £3million contract to join the US Army after 9/11.
He served in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he was killed by friendly fire in 2004. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for bravery.
A petition has been launched demanding ESPN choose a new winner, claimingHarry has been ‘involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude’.
It says: ‘Awarding this honour to someone who does not reflect the award’s intent diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.’
One of the signatories, Tanya Smith, said: ‘Pat Tillman embodied service and sacrifice, doing his patriotic duty’ but ‘Harry represents none of these qualities.’
Last year the award was given to members of the Buffalo Bills American football team training staff who revived a dying player on the field.
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