I remember this when it happened. This was actually all a publicity stunt by the Wizards.
"Many times in NBA arenas you see marriage proposals that result in a happy couple," said a Wizards exec in 2004. "We thought it would be fun to see the fans' reaction if a marriage proposal went badly. Judging from the response we've had, I think we got everyone's attention!"
Halftime hoaxes could use a shot of imagination Chicago Sun-Times - Find Articles