In celebration of April Fools’ Day in 2024, let’s take a look back at some of the best trickery and deception in sports history.
Andre Miller, the crafty point guard, mastered the art of the fake timeout during his time in the NBA. He fooled teams multiple times as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, casually dribbling the ball to the hash mark before darting to the rim for a lay-in.
The Boise State football team also showcased their trickeration in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl. They converted three trick plays late in the game, including a hook and ladder and a statue of liberty play, leading to a thrilling victory over Oklahoma.
In the NFL, Dan Marino famously pulled off a fake spike against the New York Jets in 1994, tossing a game-winning touchdown pass instead of spiking the ball.
Jason Kidd, during his coaching tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, spilled a drink on the court to create an extra timeout for his team in a close game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kenny Pickett, in the 2021 ACC Championship game, executed a fake slide that left defenders flat-footed as he ran all the way to the end zone for a touchdown.
These moments of trickery and deception in sports history remind us of the creativity and ingenuity that can lead to unforgettable moments on the field or court. Whether it’s a fake timeout, a trick play, or a well-timed spill, these instances add an element of surprise and excitement to the game.