deflect

To make (something) deviate from its original path or position.transitive

To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.transitive

• The defender deflected the cross into his own net.

To deviate from an original path or position.intransitive

To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).figurativelytransitive

• The Prime Minister deflected some increasingly pointed questions by claiming he had an appointment.

To divert (attention, etc.).figurativelytransitive

• Certainly there was much in the relationship itself that, with so much energy deflected into logistic maneuvering was never […] "worked out."
• Critics suggest that Fernández, an unashamed populist and nationalist, is seeking to deflect attention from social disharmony at home.

To redirect culpability to avoid it.