Wizards Issue Official Apology for Viral April Fools’ Stunt

During halftime of a loss to the 76ers, a "fan" named Jackson was blindfolded and led to believe he won $10,000 for a half-court shot he actually missed.

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The in-game host and several mascots, including G-Wiz and the Denver Nuggets' Rocky, staged a wild celebration to trick the blindfolded participant.

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After the celebration, the host showed the participant the replay on the big screen, proving the ball never went in, and snatched the oversized check away.

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Prominent sports figures and fans on social media labeled the move "unhinged" and "cruel," especially given the team's struggling 17-win season.

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Approximately 16 hours later, the Wizards released a statement admitting they "missed the mark" and apologized for misleading their audience.

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A spokesperson for Monumental Basketball confirmed the "fans" were actually friends of employees and were fully aware of the script.

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Critics argued the prank was "on-brand" for a franchise that has struggled to provide a positive experience for its loyal fanbase this year.

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The prank featured a rare gathering of out-of-town mascots, including the Detroit Tigers' Paws and Montreal Canadiens' Youppi, specifically for the skit.

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