Penny's Gambit 

Claiming your team has a COVID outbreak in order to avoid playing against a strong opponent.

Penny Hardaway claimed his Memphis Tigers had COVID so they wouldn't have to face Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers. He used the old Penny's Gambit. It's a bold move, but at least avoids the loss and he can still claim that his team was superior even though they contracted COVID and Tennessee didn't.

Penny's Gambit by LastBoyScout January 4, 2022