US women’s soccer team to receive ESPN courage award; social media wants Peyton Hillis for life-saving efforts

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ESPN announced on Wednesday that the United States Women's National Team will be awarded the Arhur Ashe Courage Award at this year's ESPYs for its fight for equal pay.

The award, named after the famed tennis player, is given annually to someone in sports that "[possesses] strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost."

A new collective bargaining agreement was signed last September that ended a lengthy battle between the USWNT and the U.S. Soccer Federation — American women received a $110,000 bonus for winning the 2019 World Cup, while the U.S. men would have received $407,000 had they won in 2018.

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Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Peyton Hillis

The new CBA, which runs through 2028, includes identical pay structures for appearances and tournament victories, revenue sharing and equitable distribution of World Cup prize money. U.S. Soccer agreed to pay the women $24 million.

With ESPN's announcement, though, came frustration from much on social media, who feel the award should be given to Peyton Hillis. The former NFL running back was in ICU after saving his son and niece from drowning at a Pensacola, Florida, beach.

"No disrespect, but HOW THE HELL is this not given to Peyton Hillis, who selflessly saved the lives of his son and niece while putting his life at risk and nearly dying?" MLFootball tweeted.

Dec. 18, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cleveland Browns running back (40) Peyton Hillis against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

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