ESPN admits 'error' after viewers point out it used the wrong name for the NBA team in Washington

Jack Baer
Updated

ESPN’s attempt at a definitive Michael Jordan documentary with “The Last Dance” started off strong Sunday night, but it wasn’t without error.

Eagle-eyed viewers noticed a clear mistake during a segment about the 1985-86 Chicago Bulls. NBA standings for that year shown in the second episode of the documentary featured a name that wouldn’t enter the league until 1997.

The Washington Wizards.

The Wizards were, of course, the Washington Bullets until 1997, when owner Abe Pollin decided to change the name due to worries about associating the team with gun violence. Some on social media speculated that ESPN had made a similar calculation.

However, the network told NBC Sports Washington that it was simply an oversight and would be fixed for future airings of the documentary:

“This was an error on the graphic,” an ESPN spokesperson said, adding that it “will be fixed in future re-airs.”

We’re guessing that this won’t be the last time the Wizards and unfortunate outcomes will be mentioned with “The Last Dance.”

WASHINGTON - JANUARY 14: Michael Jordan #23 of the Washington Wizards looks at the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors at MCI Center on January 14, 2003 in Washington, DC. The Raptors won 84-75. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
Michael Jordan's future team had a different name for most of his playing days. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

More from Yahoo Sports:

Advertisement