Prince Harry Reportedly 'Stunned' by Pat Tillman Award Backlash

Prince Harry was reportedly surprised by the backlash after being nominated for the Pat Tillman award by ESPN.

The criticism intensified when Pat Tillman’s mother publicly opposed the nomination.

Prince Harry will receive the Pat Tillman award at the ESPY Sports Awards on July 11 for his work with the Invictus Games foundation.

The award honours the late NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman.

However, Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, criticised ESPN for honouring Prince Harry, stating there were "more fitting" recipients for the award.

“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she told the Daily Mail.

“There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”

ESPN said Prince Harry 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.

Sources told The Telegraph that criticism of Prince Harry regarding his military record and work with veterans is a "bitter pill to swallow.”

The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) are run by ESPN. The Pat Tillman Award is usually given to unsung heroes.

Last year, it was awarded to the Buffalo Bills training staff for saving a player's life on the field.

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