Mascots interacting with fans in sports arenas is a pretty common occurrence. Similarly, giving back to fans, especially during the holidays, is nothing new. However, pranks around gifting children during the holiday season never sit well with the public. Especially involving a PlayStation. The Charlotte Hornets organization got caught red-handed, and fans are enraged.
When the Hornets’ mascot, Hugo, presented a young fan with a PS5 as part of a skit, the family later discovered it was a sham when the console was swapped for a hoodie. Upset by the incident, the boy’s uncle, a season ticket holder, shared the story on X, where it quickly went viral, prompting the Charlotte organization to issue a public apology and promise to make amends.
“During last night’s game there was an on-court skit that missed the mark. The skit included bad decision making and poor communication. Simply put, we turned the ball over and we apologize. We have reached out to the family and are committed to not only making it right but to exceeding expectations. We will be providing the fan with the PS5 that he should have taken home last night along with a VIP experience to a future game.“
– Charlotte Hornets apology
Madness: the Hornets recently gifted a kid a PS5 during halftime at one of their games…
Then took away the PS5 off camera and gave the kid a jersey instead 😳
Today, the Hornets issued an apology and will now be giving him a PS5 and VIP tickets to a future game.
(via… pic.twitter.com/BA7en74YMG
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 18, 2024
This unsavory episode transpired during a matchup between the Hornets and the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. The skit was supposed to feature the team’s mascot, dressed in Santa Claus attire, reading aloud a letter from a 13-year-old kid pleading with Santa to bring him a PS5 this Christmas. However, things did not go exactly as planned.
Fans fuming over Charlotte Hornets PS5 giveaway fiasco
Fans were infuriated when the incident came to light. Questioning the integrity and seriousness of the Charlotte Hornets organization, fans took to X to mock the team, calling it everything from “cheapskate” to “penny-pincher” and everything in between. Some even questioned if Michael Jordan was still the majority owner of the team. Here are some of the best reactions from the fans:
The most unserious, goof troop ass franchise 🤣🤣🤣
— Scams Charania (@ScamsCharania69) December 18, 2024
What was their excuse for the bait and switch in the first place? Is Jordan still their majority owner?
— Matt Roth (@KingsofCardio) December 18, 2024
Broke franchise lmao
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) December 18, 2024
MJ really don’t care 😂😂😂
— Tellie (@TheTellieTube) December 18, 2024
How is this a “skit” 😭😭 when the punchline is “jk kid, here’s a 25 dollar hoodie” that’s a terrible punchline
— Sean Murphy (@seanhalfcourt) December 18, 2024
They can keep those tickets. Give lil bro some Air Forces or something.
— E.D.N. (@evildarkskinn) December 18, 2024
That’s the most Charlotte Hornets move ever.
— Jeremy McCall (@jmccall54) December 18, 2024
Yall see my profile name I am admittedly way too forgiving of my franchise this is pissing me off and makes me extremely disappointed
— The Super Hornet (@TheRealEvanHale) December 18, 2024
Wow, talk about a rug pull
— AP (@plart0) December 18, 2024
This isn’t the first time the Charlotte Hornets have disappointed their fans. One such incident took place last year when a young fan flew in over 7,000 miles from Australia just to catch a glimpse of his favorite player, Lamelo Ball. Unfortunately, Ball was benched that night due to an ankle injury making this incident go viral.
A simple gesture of gifting a kid PS5 has turned into a public relations disaster for them. For a team that’s already struggling to compete in the NBA and pull itself out of the bottom of the Eastern Conference, they could use less damaging media coverage. Whether they decide to capitalize on this moment is in their hands now.
Stay Updated!
Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.
