Just days after Michele Tafoya left her job as a sideline reporter for Sunday Night Football, she decided to appear on right-wing media networks.
Tafoya has not strayed from her position. She now feels more free to be herself and speak out about things she couldn’t before without the threat of losing her job.
Michele Tafoya is back in the news this week as ESPN continues to face major backlash after announcing that Prince Harry would be the recipient of this year’s Pat Tillman Award for Service.
Tillman’s mother, Mary, spoke to Daily Mail and expressed her “shocked” reaction to the network giving Prince Harry an honor typically given to unsung heroes. Just last season, the Buffalo Bills training staff that helped bring Damar Hamlin back to life following his on-field cardiac arrest was recognized.
Michele Tafoya, who used to be an NFL sideline reporter for ESPN and NBC, took to her social media account and responded to a post about Mary Tillman’s reaction.
“I thought I was alone in my disgust for this decision,” Tafoya wrote on social media. “But Pat Tillman’s own mom felt the same.”
I thought I was alone in my disgust for this decision. But Pat Tillman‘s own mom felt the same. #Disrespect. “US hero Pat Tillman’s mom slams decision to honor Prince Harry with son’s award” https://t.co/GXvffEGBsf
— Michele Tafoya (@Michele_Tafoya) June 30, 2024
ESPN Responds to Backlash From Michele Tafoya And Others Over Prince Harry Receiving Pat Tillman Award
The legacy of former Arizona State linebacker and Arizona Cardinals defensive back Pat Tillman seems to grow every year, as it should.
He showed what it meant to be selfless and courageous when he left his job in the NFL to fight for the country.
However, his name can also lead to controversy.
ESPN’s recent decision to give an award named for Tillman to Prince Harry for his work with veterans and upset his mother, Michele Tafoya, and many others.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she said. “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 recognized.”
Following the backlash, ESPN responded to criticism as they insisted that had the support of the Tillman Foundation.
“ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring 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,” the network said in a statement via Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.
