ESPN Backs Prince Harry Amid ESPYs Award Backlash As Petition To Drop Duke Hits 45,000 Signatures

ESPN remains adamant on honoring Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award for his work with the Invictus Games Foundation despite the public outcry that has plagued the network since its announcement.

Responding in a statement to critics, ESPN noted that Harry's paralympic-style sporting event for wounded veterans does "incredible" work and that they believe it is "a cause worth celebrating."

Over 45,000 people have signed an online petition demanding that Harry not be honored at the upcoming ceremony.

Pat Tillman's mom, Mary, also said that she was "shocked" by ESPN's decision to select Prince Harry for the award.

Harry has been at the center of a recent controversy surrounding his receipt of the Pat Tillman Award for service at this year's ESPYs for his work with the Invictus Games.

While the award was intended to recognize the Duke of Sussex's dedication to supporting injured veterans, it has sparked criticism from some quarters, including Mary Tillman, the mother of the war hero in whose memory the award is held.

In response to the backlash, ESPN issued a statement defending its decision to honor Harry with the prestigious award, noting that it believes his foundation does "incredible" work and is "worth celebrating."

"ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring 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," they said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

"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 event organizers added.

The prestigious award is notably reserved for individuals with a "strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger."

However, Pat's mom, Mary Tillman, didn't buy into the sentiment that Harry deserves it, as she claimed there are more deserving individuals than the Duke and that she wasn't contacted before ESPN made the choice.

"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 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 recognized," the war hero's mother added.

The award honors the heroic sacrifice of the former football star who gave up a lucrative career with the Arizona Cardinals after 9/11 to enlist as an army ranger and served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he was killed in 2004 by friendly fire.

An online petition, which has received over 45,000 signatures, recently surfaced requesting that the event's organizers "rethink awarding the Pat Tillman Award" to the former British Royal.

The petition's creators wrote in their remarks that Harry has been involved in "controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honor of this magnitude."

They also added that giving him the honor "diminishes" the value of the award and "disrespects Tillman's memory."

On the Change.org petition, signatories asked if ESPN conducted their research on potential American recipients properly.

One wrote, "Pat Tillman sacrificed his life for duty and country! Harry walked away from duty and country & spit on his commander-in-chief, country, duty & family on his way out. All for a Hollywood dream! I'm appalled as an American that you would give him this award. It now means nothing!"

Another signatory added, "I believe that an American should be honored. Gary Sinise! His service to our veterans deserves makes him deserving of this award! Pat Tillman would be proud! Say NO to giving Harry this award!"

Despite critics' stance on the matter, The Invictus Games has since taken to their X account to share a note of gratitude with the ESPYs for nominating Harry for the revered prize.

Sharing a photo of the Duke clasping hands with an Invictus Games participant, they wrote, "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."

Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, recently visited Nigeria, where they participated in the country's cultural activities and flaunted the Invictus Games initiative. The prince notably played volleyball with injured servicemen while in Nigeria.