Pat McAfee delivered a strong critique of the SB Awards for nominating Prince Harry for the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
McAfee expressed his frustration over what he perceived as the exclusion of deserving American candidates. The Pat Tillman Award honors individuals with a strong connection to sports who have served others, reflecting the legacy of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger.
During his Friday show on ESPN, McAfee did not hold back his opinions. He acknowledged Tillman's heroic legacy and the significance of the award in the sports world. However, he quickly turned his criticism to the SB Awards committee, bluntly questioning their decision to nominate Prince Harry. McAfee's co-host, Boston Connor, joined in, calling Prince Harry's nomination "probably the most embarrassing thing I've ever seen in my entire life."
McAfee questioned the thoroughness of the SB Awards committee's selection process, which involves global online voting. He anticipated a negative reaction from sports fans and Americans, pointing out that Prince Harry's nomination might not sit well with those who value common sense and patriotism. While McAfee acknowledged Prince Harry's founding of the Invictus Games and his service in the British Army, he questioned the wisdom of his nomination. He reflected on his own experience with the SB Awards and suggested that the decision-makers might not have the best interests of sports fans at heart.
McAfee argued that the awards should focus on celebrating sports and not make controversial decisions that upset people. Another cast member, Schmidt, criticized the SB Awards as a gimmick, suggesting that many deserving U.S. military members could have benefited from the award. Schmidt argued that it was a missed opportunity to honor someone truly deserving.
In response, McAfee sarcastically suggested creating a new award for royal family members who love sports. He and his co-hosts maintained that many deserving individuals, especially from the U.S. military, embody the selfless spirit of Pat Tillman. This debate highlights the tension between celebrity influence and genuine service, questioning whether the SB Awards are staying true to the values they aim to celebrate.
Overall, McAfee and his team emphasized the importance of honoring those who truly reflect Tillman's legacy, advocating for a more thoughtful and patriotic approach to the award selection process. They called for recognition of individuals who have genuinely served others and have a meaningful connection to sports, rather than making choices that appear driven by celebrity status.
