Wizards Pull Brutal April Fools' Prank On Fan, Fake $10K Win After Airball
Washington staged a fake $10K halftime win before showing the fan’s shot was actually an airball — and the internet was not amused.
April Fools' Day is so lame.
Look, I'm not trying to be a grumpy old curmudgeon. I love a good joke or a harmless prank from time to time. But when we designate a date on the calendar specifically for jokes and pranks, they kind of lose their luster. Especially since a key component of a prank is the element of surprise.
That being said, the April Fools' joke the Washington Wizards pulled on one of their fans Wednesday night was downright diabolical.
The Wizards brought out a fan to attempt a blindfolded half-court shot for the chance to win $10,000. He threw up the shot, a siren blared, the crowd went wild, the announcer screamed, a horde of mascots rushed the court and lifted him in the air in celebration. He won $10,000!
Except he didn't. Because the shot was actually an airball.
The Wizards showed the replay on the jumbotron. And that's the exact moment the fan realized he'd been tricked and that he didn't actually win the money.
Jail. All of you.
This man (presumably) goes to work every day to make a living, and he spent his hard-earned cash to buy tickets to support the 17-win worst team in the NBA. And how do they repay him? By humiliating him in front of the Lord, the internet and 18,000 fans.
This is almost as bad as the time the NHL reneged on a $1 million donation to cancer research when a cancer survivor failed to make carnival shot at the Stadium Series.
WATCH: NHL Rightfully Eviscerated For Tasteless Cancer Charity Stunt At Stadium Series
The Wizards at least gave the guy a consolation prize: an autographed jersey and a couple of courtside seats to a game next season. But naturally, the team took some heat for their prank.
Following the backlash, the Wizards apologized on Thursday and admitted the fan was actually in on the joke.
"We apologize for last night's April Fools' joke that left many wondering if we had misled a fan," the team said in a statement.
"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 Wizards went on to lose to the Philadelphia 76ers, 153-131 — dropping Washington's record to an impressively bad 17-59.
Talk about some April Fools.