Within the 20 years since his tragic loss of life by pleasant fireplace in Afghanistan, the legacy of former Arizona State linebacker and Arizona Cardinals defensive again Pat Tillman has solely grown. His selflessness, braveness and sense of perspective have impressed Individuals of all backgrounds.Nonetheless, the complicated relationship between Tillman the person and Tillman the posthumous image has sometimes led to controversy. Exhibit A: ESPN’s current determination to present an award named for Tillman to Prince Harry for his work with veterans.On Saturday, Tillman’s mom Mary informed The Every day Mail in London that Prince Harry was a poor match for the award.”I’m shocked as to why they would choose such a controversial and divisive particular person to obtain the award,” she stated. “There are people working within the veteran group which might be doing super issues to help veterans. These people don’t have the cash, assets, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I really feel that these sorts of people ought to be acknowledged.”ESPN responded to criticism of the choice Monday morning, insisting it had the assist of the Tillman Basis—which was based by Marie Tillman, Pat’s widow.”ESPN, with the assist of the Tillman Basis, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, particularly for the work of The Invictus Video games Basis because it celebrates its tenth yr selling therapeutic by means of the ability of sport for army service members and veterans all over the world. Whereas we perceive not everybody will agree with all honorees chosen for any award, The Invictus Video games Basis does unimaginable work and ESPN believes it is a trigger value celebrating,” the community stated in an announcement by way of Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.Previous recipients of Pat’s namesake award embrace the Buffalo Payments coaching employees after security Damar Hamlin’s collapse, veterans advocate Gretchen Evans, and Manchester United ahead (and philanthropist) Marcus Rashford.