ESPN is planning to give Prince Harry the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the upcoming ESPYs ceremony.

Pat Tillman, an NFL player for four seasons, left his promising football career to enlist in the U.S. Army after the September 11th terrorist attacks. Tragically, Tillman was killed in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan in 2004 at the age of 27.

On Friday, former NFL punter and current ESPN analyst Pat McAfee criticized the network, accusing ESPN of trying to “piss people off.”

Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, also expressed her disapproval, stating that ESPN never consulted her about awarding the Duke of Sussex. She told The Daily Mail, “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.”

She believes there are more deserving recipients, especially those in the veteran community who are making significant contributions without the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has. “Those types of individuals should be recognized,” she said.

ESPN claims Harry is being honored for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport” with his Invictus Games.

However, the decision has led to significant backlash. A petition emerged yesterday, urging ESPN to reconsider, arguing that Harry’s involvement in various controversies questions his suitability for such an honor.