Prince Harry's award win prompts fury by mom of war hero it was set up to honor

The mother of a US war hero killed in Afghanistan has expressed her outrage after it was announced that Prince Harry will be honored with an award named after her son.

Next month in Hollywood , the Duke of Sussex is set to be presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service . This prestigious recognition is typically bestowed upon someone with a notable sports background who has also dedicated themselves to serving others in a manner that reflects the spirit of Pat Tillman, the ex-NFL star and US Army Ranger who tragically lost his life in Afghanistan.

Yet, the choice to bestow this tribute on Prince Harry has ignited a fierce debate. Hot on the heels of TV personality Pat McAfee's on-air criticism, the mother of the late soldier has voiced her disapproval, stating she wasn't even consulted about the decision.

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According to The Daily Mail, Mary, the grieving mother, vented: "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 recognized."

The ESPY Awards, organized by ESPN, the sports broadcasting giant, traditionally honors unsung heroes through this particular accolade. Last year, the Buffalo Bills' medical team was celebrated for their life-saving actions on the field, earning them widespread praise.

Prince Harry is being recognized for his relentless efforts to support veterans through the Invictus Games, which uses sports to empower injured service members.

TV personality McAfee has openly criticized Harry's nomination, suggesting it doesn't align with the award's original intent and raising questions about how nominees are chosen.

On his show, McAfee expressed his views, saying: "A lot of conversation about Pat Tillman's name American hero ... Now there's an award named after him, as there should be in the sports world because that is somebody who is the definition of selfless."

He went on to add, "It's going to Prince Harry, who I don't even think is a prince anymore."

McAfee's co-host, Boston Connor, didn't hold back either, slamming the decision as "probably the most embarrassing thing I've seen in my entire life".