Charlotte Hornets NBA Fan Goes Viral After Team Gives and Takes Back Free PS5
It was supposed to be a heartwarming moment at a Charlotte Hornets NBA game when a young fan was gifted a PS5 in front of the crowd, but what followed turned the joyous occasion into a social media storm. With Christmas approaching, the season of giving was in full swing, but for this particular fan, the gift-giving took an unexpected turn.
The Hornets fan, who had eagerly awaited his moment, found himself standing alongside the team's mascot, Hugo, decked out in a Santa Claus outfit. The announcer shared that the young fan had requested a PS5 after a year of hard work in school, hoping to hone his skills on NBA 2K. The crowd watched as the fan was handed the coveted PS5, only for the cameras to capture a surprising twist.
Shortly after the public display of generosity, the fan was asked to return the PS5, leaving many bewildered and sparking a wave of reactions on social media. The incident, which garnered over 4 million views on Twitter, led to an outcry of disappointment and disbelief.
You guys want to see a cheap sports organization?
— USMNT_STAN (@StanUsmnt) December 17, 2024
In this video my best friend&his nephew get called onto court for a special segment where they gift the kid a PS5 publicly… w/cameras off they TOOK IT AWAY and gave him a jersey.
😂 Take a bow @hornets… crushed the kid pic.twitter.com/mcj5hhsuM5
One user, StanUSMNT, shared the video online, expressing his shock at the turn of events. The fan's father even described the moment as "super awkward" when the team representative reclaimed the gift. The backlash was swift, prompting the Hornets to issue an apology for the mishandled situation.
In response to the escalating criticism, the Hornets acknowledged their misstep, admitting to poor decision-making and communication. They swiftly moved to rectify the situation by promising to not only return the PS5 to the fan but also offering a VIP experience at a future game.
If anyone wants more details here is how it went down.
— USMNT_STAN (@StanUsmnt) December 17, 2024
Seems like they may been trying to do a skit (why?) and botched communication totally. I still don’t get giving kids stuff before Xmas you aren’t letting them have even if it is a “setup.” That’s confusing and really 🤡 https://t.co/VKzsx38w5A pic.twitter.com/UYO7sHSxpe
Despite the team's efforts to make amends, fans continued to express their disappointment, labeling the entire interaction as "bogus" and "corny." Many questioned the team's initial approach, urging for transparency and fairness in their future engagements with young fans.
Statement from #Hornets on last night’s promotion.
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) December 17, 2024
They’re giving the kid a PS5 and VIP experience for future game. @wcnc pic.twitter.com/rbGW4sAIKB
The original poster highlighted the importance of honesty in such interactions, emphasizing that children should not be misled into believing they would receive a significant gift only to have it taken away moments later. The incident served as a lesson for the team, prompting them to reassess their approach to fan engagement.
What do you think?
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