On his blog that Brandt Andersen, owner of the Utah Flash, apologized to 7 500 fans who had bought their seats to watch Michael Jordan play in a charity game at the Utah Flash’s home opener.

But when an imposter stepped onto the court, the crowd booed furiously. In an attempt to subdue the angry crowd, cheerleaders threw free t-shirts into the stands, but irritated fans threw them right back.

Brandt Andersen said:

If you were at the game tonight I hope you had fun. This was done in fun. If you did not see it as fun or you feel we went over the top I am sorry.

Let me step back a little and explain how some of this came about. At the beginning of the season we decided this was going to be a season of fun. The economy has made things tough for a lot of people and we wanted to find ways to have fun, at least for a few hours. On the court we want to win, but off the court we are going to embrace the fact we are a minor league team, and therefore do crazy fun promotion in the hope to get people talking about the team.

Since putting out the challenge to B Russ and MJ and the charity of their choice we have tried to put the pressure on MJ to join us. I even told them if they did not want Michael to play they could promote the potential for another event just by having him here. I knew I would not know if MJ was going to attend until a few hours before game time. I never received the call indicating he would not attend. Which was to be expected with the mighty Air Jordan.

In every interview I said if Jordan did not show we would have a backup that would be entertaining. I promised it would be worth attending. So as a backup, we hired a Michael Jordan lookalike. It was always in the plan to put him out in the community whether or not MJ showed. We wanted to test the strength and effectiveness of viral media by putting him out in Provo with bodyguards, and some hype. I always assumed it would be uncovered very quickly that it was a hoax. In reality, the lookalike is only 6’1 so it was not hard to disprove.

If you were offended by the stunt I sincerely apologize. Good or bad I hope it got you talking. I hope you were entertained. If not the comments section is below, feel free to blast away.

Again, if you were offended please accept my apologies. Like you, I was let down. I wanted MJ to show up. I had substantial hope that he would. As an apology we will honor those tickets from tonight for any other Flash game during the season. If you threw your ticket away call the office and we will take care of you. I’m very sorry we disappointed you.

Michael Jordan Look-A-Like Hoax Angers Fans