Prince Harry award pick condemned by namesake's mother

The award is presented to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of Tillman, an NFL player and US soldier who died aged 27 in Afghanistan in 2004.

Harry served 10 years in the British Army, had two tours of duty in Afghanistan and founded the Invictus Games Foundation to support injured, wounded and sick servicemen and women around the world.

Tillman's mother Mary Tillman has spoken out about the choice to give the award to the British royal at the ESPY Awards.

"I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award," she told the Daily Mail newspaper.

She argued that there are more appropriate people to receive the award, insisting others do important work for veterans in tougher circumstances than Harry.

"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 recognised."

ESPN, the network behind the awards, has responded to the backlash and voiced its support for Prince Harry, and insisted his work on the Invictus Games Foundation is "worth celebration".

"ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honouring 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.

"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."

Australian Associated Press