The Washington Wizards have apologized for an April Fools’ “skit” in which a planted fan was seemingly tricked into believing he made a half-court shot for $10,000.
In a statement Thursday, the Wizards said they “missed the mark” but that the entire bit was scripted.
“We apologize for last night’s April Fools’ joke that left many wondering if we had misled a fan,” the Wizards said. “The skit involving our mascot and other members of our performance team was scripted and intended to celebrate the day. All participants were in on the joke, but we missed the mark.”
During a game break in the Wizards’ 153-131 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday — Washington’s fourth straight loss and 20th in its past 21 games — the “fan” tried a blindfolded half-court shot that missed wildly over the backboard. Even so, a number of mascots rushed the fan to celebrate and presented him an oversized $10,000 check before showing him how badly he missed.
“I’m not going to lie, sir: I really, really hate April Fools’ Day,” the on-court presenter told the man.
Before the Wizards revealed the stunt was all made up, backlash began on social media. Some noted it was inappropriate for the Wizards to mislead a fan who presumably paid to watch the team, particularly during an NBA-worst season that will keep Washington out of the playoffs for the fifth straight year.
“Our fans are our priority, and we continue to be committed to providing a positive experience to all who attend our games,” the Wizards said in their statement.
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