NEWS
Breaking:Backroom Deal’: Shocking Claims Emerge Harry’s Controversial ESPY Nod Was the Result of a ‘Fix’ With Disney Boss Bob Iger
ESPN’s decision to bestow the prestigious Pat Tillman unsung hero award on Prince Harry is getting slammed by veterans and other groups — and sources claim that the ESPY nod was the result of a fix with Disney boss Bob Iger, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
Tillman was an NFL player who was killed in action after he joined the Army to battle Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. The award given in his name “is meant to honor heroism in the world of sport, given to someone who has made a positive impact on the lives of others,” a TV insider explained. “But giving it to Harry is being blasted as a bizarre choice by many — including Pat’s own mother!”
ESPN said it is honoring Harry, 39, for his work with his Invictus Games, the international multi-sport event for wounded military members he founded in 2014.
But sources told RadarOnline.com that a backroom deal with Disney was really responsible for the screwball selection. “ESPN is owned by Disney and Harry’s buddy Bob Iger is the CEO of the company!” a snitch told RadarOnline.com.
Harry, a bona fide combat hero who was in the British Armed Forces for 10 years and served two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot, and his wife Meghan Markle, 42, inked a media deal with Disney four years ago.
“Iger has a close relationship with all the royals after receiving an honorary knighthood last month,” a source spilled. “The word is Harry seized upon his connection to the [royal] family to pitch him new opportunities at the network and Bob’s listening — despite [Harry’s] estrangement from the family.” The award was a calculated move to pave the way for new projects for the wayward royals, the source said.
“But nobody expected this kind of blowback, which has already probably scuttled the plan,” a source said, especially once Pat’s mother, Mary Tillman, weighed in.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” Mary said. “There are recipients that are far more fitting … [individuals who] are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”