Rusty Weiss
The Washington Wizards found themselves on the defensive Thursday after a halftime April Fools’ Day prank during their game against the Philadelphia 76ers drew serious backlash from fans and commentators alike.
In the skit, three contestants attempted blindfolded half-court shots for a $10,000 prize. The host instructed the crowd to cheer wildly as if the final contestant had succeeded, even if the ball missed.
“It wouldn’t be G-Wiz’s April Fools Frenzy without playing a little prank. Not to say that they won’t make it, but I’m guessing the first two may miss,” the host said. “The last contestant, we’re gonna pretend that the ball went in the basket. So as soon as it hits the ground, go crazy wild like they just won $10,000.”
Cheer, they did. Everyone got worked into a lather, and one fan was seemingly cruelly tricked into thinking he’d won the big cash prize.
The Wizards made a fan think he won $10,000 in an April Fools prank by pretending he made a blindfolded half court shot 😭 pic.twitter.com/MZEfAiGZKM
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) April 2, 2026
Wizards Issue Apology After Viral April Fools’ Prank Tricks Fan Into Thinking He Won $10,000
Who, in the Blue Hell, up in the corporate offices, gave a green light to that joke? How completely Wizard of you.
Critics, including former ESPN anchor Jemele Hill, called the bit “unhinged” for targeting a fan who had paid good money to watch one of the NBA’s worst teams. Others labeled it disrespectful and tone-deaf, with some comparing the fan’s apparent disappointment to a scene from a Batman movie.
The backlash was fierce. And the Wizards issued an apology, claiming everyone involved was 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. “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.”
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Okay, so that explains why the fan was such a good sport about the whole stupid prank. He also apparently got himself an autographed jersey and some courtside seats for next season.
Great. That means he’ll be able to watch what many would consider a much bigger joke—the Wizards—up close and personal.
