“Let’s Not Panic Here”: Despite Detroit Riots and 25-Game Humiliation, Billionaire Owner Tom Gores Urges Pistons Fans To Calm Down

The Detroit Pistons are in shambles right now, navigating through one of the worst seasons in franchise history. No one would’ve thought this would be the result when the Pistons went into rebuild mode four seasons ago. With a disappointing 2-26 record, the Pistons are just one game shy of tying the NBA record for the biggest losing streak in a single season. To add insult to injury, the Detroit fans have also turned their backs on the team.

The 25-game losing streak did not sit well with some fans, as they took to angry chants to sell the team. Some fans went so far as to cover themselves with food wrappers while inscribing “Sell the team” on the packaging. However, amidst the crisis, Pistons owner Tom Gores urges the fired-up fans to maintain their calm.

Tom Gores wants to “protect” the players

In a recent interview with Tom spoke about what success would look like going forward. As per the team owner, the team needs to secure a few wins to regain confidence and morale. In addition to this, he adds that the most important aspect of it all for him is to “protect” the players. He urges the fans to blame him for the current state of the team instead of pointing fingers at the athletes. “Blame me. Support them.”

Read More: Riot Nearly Erupts in Detroit as Masked Fans and Angry Mob Protests with $3.08 Billion NBA Team Sale Demand

He believes that once their young core settles into their respective roles, success is inevitable. “I ask the fans to prop them up and yell at me. We need to surround them with things that will help them be successful. We also don’t need to do anything stupid. Let’s not panic here. We have a good core, foundation, young players and flexibility. We have to not panic but still have urgency. That’s our balance,” added Tom.

Tom Gores responds to “sell the team” chants

Thursday’s game against the Utah Jazz provided the Pistons with a rare opportunity to break their 24-game skid. However, the shorthanded Jazz took advantage of the Pistons’ poor execution and handed them a 119-111 loss. Even more disheartening than the loss was the home crowd, consisting of 20,491 Pistons fans, who filled the Little Caesars Arena with thunderous roars of “Sell The Team” chants.

Addressing these chants during the game, Tom Gores said, “They can say what they want, but that’s ridiculous. Other than winning – and we should win more games – we do a lot in the community…We’re doing multibillion-dollar things outside of (basketball). I understand the fans being upset, but it’s a ridiculous thought.”

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Yet again, tonight’s game against the Brooklyn Nets offers a chance to prevent tying the record for the worst losing streak (26 games – held by the 76ers and Cavs) in NBA history. Do you think the Pistons’ losing streak might end tonight? Let us know in the comments!