Wizards apologize after April Fools’ Day prank backfires
The Washington Wizards attempted to pull off an April Fools’ Day skit. It wasn’t received as they hoped, causing the team to apologize on Thursday. The Wizards set up a mid-game promotion during Wednesday’s 153-131 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in which a “fan” would attempt a blindfolded shot from halfcourt, with a reward of $10,000 if he could make the unlikely heave.
After the shot missed wildly, mascots rushed the floor pretending the deep 3-pointer went through the net. The participant was given a giant check to celebrate what appeared to be a $10,000 prize. A few moments later, the team’s on-court promotional host told the fan that it was just an April Fools’ Day joke as he watched the replay of his missed shot play on the team’s video board.
There was backlash online to the clip, as some fans felt the team shouldn’t mislead anyone willing to show up and watch the 17-59 team. The Wizards later clarified that the person attempting the shot was in on the bit and was not tricked. “We apologize for last night’s April Fools’ joke that left many wondering if we had misled a fan,” the team’s statement said on X.
“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. Our fans are our priority, and we continue to be committed to providing a positive experience to all who attend our games.
” The response to the outcry led to even more jokes online. “Still waiting on the apology for March 10,” one fan wrote on X, referencing when the Wizards allowed the Heat’s Bam Adebayo to score 83 points. “The best April Fools joke that the Wizards continue to call themselves a professional basketball team!