Petition against Prince Harry's Pat Tillman Award nomination crosses 70,000 signatures

Over 70,000 people have signed a petition titled "Rethink Awarding the Pat Tillman Award to Prince Harry," launched on 27 June, urging ESPN to reconsider their decision. 

Petition creator Patti Mickel told the Daily Mail, "Prince Harry, while a former military officer, has been involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude."

Pat Tillman, a revered figure in the US, left his lucrative career with the Arizona Cardinals to become an Army Ranger. 

Tillman served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he was tragically killed by friendly fire in 2004 at the age of 27.

Mickel emphasised that the award should reflect Tillman's values and honour someone with unwavering dedication to their squad and country. Last year, the award went to Buffalo Bills' training staff members who revived a player on the field.

Prince Harry, 39, is set to be honoured with the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his work with the Invictus Games at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on 11 July. 

The 2024 ESPYS, hosted by Serena Williams, a close friend of Meghan Markle, celebrate excellence in sports performance.