Wizards April Fools joke takes a turn for the worse

April has officially arrived and the lone day of the year everyone seems to dread has finally passed.

That day? April Fools.

As we all know, on April 1 each year, twisted jokes circulate that often catch people off guard—especially across the NBA.

On Wednesday, the Washington Wizards tried their hand at an April Fools joke that not only fooled the majority of the fans in attendance for the team's home game, but undoubtedly rubbed many people the wrong way.

In fact, the joke went so well, that the Wizards were forced to release an apology to their fanbase on behalf of the organization.

Wizards epic April Fools joke backfires

In the midst of the Wizards' blowout loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, Washington took the time attempting to spread laughter through the audience with an April Fools joke of their own.

With a blindfolded fan attempting a half-court shot for a chance at $10,000, the Wizards’ harmless joke sparked backlash after fans apparently took the prank the wrong way.

As you can see in the video above, the fan wasn't close to making the shot...at all.

Nonetheless, that's what makes the joke even better is the fact that his reaction to seemingly winning the money was priceless.

For the fanbase though, the belief that a man who didn't really win the money was fooled like he did was received in the wrong way.

In the end, the Wizards' organization issued a statement clearing things up hoping to reduce the amount of backlash the franchise received.

Wizards issue statement on April Fools Joke

In a team issued statement on Thursday, Washington revealed that while the joke during Wednesday night's game may have not been received the right way, the fan who found himself as the butt of the joke was in on the prank.

The joke clearly rubbed enough people the wrong way that the team felt the need to issue an apology informing the fanbase that all parties involved were in on the joke.

And while it may have been viewed as a harmless prank to most, the backlash suggests that the Wizards likely won't be moving forward with similar jokes any time soon.

Regardless, the apology will hopefully smooth over the frustration from the fans around the league as the team prepares for what hopefully will be a memorable offseason with the chance at landing a top draft pick on the horizon.