In a recent episode of his ESPN show, Pat McAfee unleashed a wave of criticism toward the ESPYs after the awards nominated Prince Harry for the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service.

McAfee’s frustration was palpable as he voiced his concerns about the apparent sidelining of American candidates in a selection process that is supposed to honor those who exemplify selflessness and service, much like the late NFL player and US Army Ranger, Pat Tillman.

McAfee kicked off the segment by paying homage to Tillman’s heroic legacy, acknowledging him as an “American hero.”

He emphasized the importance of honoring such figures in the sports world.

However, his tone shifted dramatically when he addressed the nomination of Prince Harry, jokingly questioning the prince’s royal status, stating, “I don’t even think he’s a prince anymore.” This remark set the stage for a deeper critique of the ESPYs’ decision-making.

The former NFL punter didn’t mince words, bluntly asking, “Why does the ESPYs do this SHIT?” His co-host, Boston Connor, joined the fray, calling the nomination one of the most embarrassing moments he’s ever witnessed.

Together, they expressed disbelief at what they perceived as a lack of due diligence from the ESPY awards committee, suggesting that the selection process may have overlooked more deserving candidates.

McAfee elaborated on the nomination process, which involves global online fan voting based on nominees chosen by the ESPY select nominating committee.

He anticipated a swift backlash from sports fans and everyday Americans alike.

“When you do something like this, you know the immediate reaction is going to be negative,” he said, emphasizing that many would feel uncomfortable pairing an American hero with a British royal.

While McAfee acknowledged Prince Harry’s contributions, including founding the Invictus Games and serving in the British Army, he wondered if the prince was aware of the potential backlash his nomination would stir up.

“Did his people know?

You’re just asking basically every person that considers themselves American to react negatively,” he mused, highlighting the disconnect between the nomination and American sentiment.

Reflecting on his own experience at the ESPYs, McAfee suggested that the event’s organizers might not prioritize the interests of sports fans.

He argued that while sports should be celebrated, decisions like this seem designed to provoke outrage rather than foster appreciation.

“It’s obviously trying to piss people off,” he lamented, pointing out a troubling trend of controversial nominations over the years.

Adding to the discourse, cast member Ty Schmidt labeled the ESPYs as a gimmick, arguing that there were countless deserving individuals from the U.S. military who could have been honored instead of Prince Harry.

“There are probably hundreds if not thousands of people they could have found who could have benefited from this award,” he asserted, expressing disappointment in the selection process.

In a sarcastic twist, McAfee proposed the idea of creating a new award specifically for Prince Harry, suggesting it could be titled “ESPY for royal family members who don’t want to be called royal family members.” This lighthearted jab underscored their frustration with the ESPYs’ choices.

As the discussion unfolded, both McAfee and Schmidt reiterated that many individuals, particularly from the U.S. military, truly embody the selfless spirit of Pat Tillman.

Their debate raised important questions about the balance between celebrity influence and genuine service, calling into question whether the ESPYs remain true to the values they claim to uphold.

The controversy surrounding the nomination has sparked conversations about the purpose and integrity of the ESPYs, with critics urging for a more thoughtful selection process that honors true service rather than celebrity status.