WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Wizards issued an apology on Thursday for an April Fools' Day in-game promotion that drew criticism after video of the incident circulated online. The promotion took place during the team's 153-131 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

During the game, a fan was brought onto the court while blindfolded and given the opportunity to attempt a half-court shot that was promoted as being worth $10,000. The blindfolded shot missed, but arena staff and members of the team's performance group reacted as though the ball had gone in, cheering and briefly presenting the fan with a ceremonial $10,000 check before the April Fools' Day nature of the stunt was made clear. Video of the sequence circulated online and prompted criticism on social media.

The Wizards addressed the reaction in a team statement released on Thursday, confirming that the skit had been scripted and that all of the participants were aware of the joke in advance. "We apologize for last night's April Fools' joke that left many wondering if we had misled a fan," the statement read. "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."

The statement also said: "Our fans are our priority, and we continue to be committed to providing a positive experience to all who attend our games."

The promotion drew reactions from media commentators. Contributing reporter Jemele Hill said, "To do this to a fan that chose to come see a 17-win team is unhinged." Analyst Andrew Brandt said, "This is so on-brand for the Wizards season. Finding new ways to offend their (few) fans."

The loss to Philadelphia was the team's fourth consecutive defeat and its 20th loss in the past 21 games. The Wizards carried a season record of 17 wins and 59 losses, placing them last in the Eastern Conference standings.