Major Controversies Surrounding Pat Tillman: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Pat Tillman—discover key moments of controversy.

Pat Tillman was an American NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals. Following the September 11 attacks, he left his professional football career to enlist in the U.S. Army Special Operations in 2002. Tillman served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. His story garnered significant media attention, particularly after his death was revealed to be a result of friendly fire. He is remembered for his patriotism and the sacrifice he made by leaving a lucrative sports career to serve his country.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

April 22, 2004: Reported Killed in Action

On April 22, 2004, Pat Tillman was initially reported to have been killed by enemy combatants in Afghanistan.

April 28, 2004: Silver Star Citation Approved

On April 28, 2004, Lieutenant General Stanley McChrystal approved the Silver Star citation for Pat Tillman.

May 28, 2004: Pentagon Notifies Tillman Family of Friendly Fire

On May 28, 2004, the Pentagon informed the Tillman family that Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire, a month after his death.

2004: Second Investigation into Tillman's Death

In 2004, Kauzlarich conducted the second investigation into Tillman's death, lasting from May 8 to 15. Brigadier General Rodney Johnson found the statements "totally unacceptable".

2004: Tillman Incident in Afghanistan

In 2004, Kevin Tillman, Pat's brother, testified that the military tried to spin his brother's death to deflect attention from failings in the Afghan war.

May 4, 2005: Report on Tillman's Death

On May 4, 2005, The Washington Post reported on a report prepared by Brigadier General Gary M. Jones, revealing that Army investigators knew Tillman was killed by friendly fire soon after his death, but senior commanders approved awarding the Silver Star and Purple Heart.

September 25, 2005: Report on Tillman's Views on Iraq War

On September 25, 2005, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that Tillman held views critical of the Iraq War. Tillman planned to meet with Noam Chomsky after returning from Afghanistan.

March 4, 2006: Criminal Investigation Ordered

On March 4, 2006, the U.S. Defense Department Inspector General directed the Army to open a criminal investigation of Pat Tillman's death to determine if it was the result of negligent homicide.

October 19, 2006: Kevin Tillman Breaks Silence

On October 19, 2006, Kevin Tillman broke his silence about his brother's death, lashing out at the Iraq War in an essay published on Truthdig.

November 2006: Forensic Pathology Investigation

In November 2006, forensic pathologists concluded that Pat Tillman was most likely killed as a result of fire from an M249 light machine gun.

March 19, 2007: CID Report Summary

On March 19, 2007, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Report summary stated that Pat Tillman was killed by friendly fire.

March 26, 2007: Pentagon Report Released

On March 26, 2007, the Pentagon released their report on the events surrounding Pat Tillman's death and coverup.

April 24, 2007: O'Neal's Testimony

On April 24, 2007, Specialist Bryan O'Neal testified that his superiors warned him not to divulge information that a fellow soldier killed Pat Tillman.

July 13, 2007: Documents Withheld

On July 13, 2007, Henry Waxman and Tom Davis revealed that the Bush administration and the Pentagon had withheld key documents relating to Pat Tillman's death.

July 26, 2007: Report on Hardball

On July 26, 2007, Chris Matthews reported on Hardball that Pat Tillman's death may have been deliberate murder, based on a report from doctors who examined Tillman's body.

August 13, 2007: Veterans Request Release of Documents

On August 13, 2007, 20 U.S. military veterans, on behalf of VoteVets, asked NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to help secure the release of all documents relating to the death of Pat Tillman.

2007: Pentagon Releases Report Ruling Death Accidental

In 2007, the Pentagon released a report ruling Pat Tillman's death as accidental.

July 14, 2008: House Committee Report Released

On July 14, 2008, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released a proposed report titled "Misleading Information from the Battlefield: The Tillman and Lynch Episodes."