“I think you made a big mistake” — Mike Ornstein’s words on Zeke not being selected in the 1992 Olympics Dream Team shows the bond the two shared. The former NFL executive recently passed away at his home in LA. And his friend, Detroit Pistons icon Isiah Thomas, has paid his regards to the departed soul.

The former NBA star shared a dedicated Instagram post for Ornstein, sharing some photos featuring him and Ornstein. “Rest in Peace, my good friend, Mike Ornstein. We will miss you The Bad Boys founder,” Thomas wrote in the caption.

Notably, the term Bad Boys may have popularly been associated with Isiah Thomas and Co. when the Pistons developed a physical, defense-oriented style of play. But Ornstein also shared some similar traits of not backing down. Senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson, in his condolence post, recalling having some near fistfight exchanges, reflects how fearless Mike was. Something that could have also been the foundation of their friendship.

It is worth mentioning, though, Mike possessed what it took to back this, never back down attitude. As per the reports, he had some influential contacts and networking in the circuit. “For years, it was believed in league circles that Ornstein had the power to bring down a wide variety of powerful figures,” stated a recent article by NBC. And there is a particular instance in which he used this chain of contacts to help out Zeke as well.

A closer look at Isiah Thomas and Mike Ornstein’s bond

As mentioned earlier, Ornstein speaking up on Thomas’ Olympic Snub was the extent of the bond. As per an article by Vault, the former NFL executive wrote to all 13 committee members—on NFL stationery—to let them know what he felt about IT being left out of the 1992 Olympics roster.

“I think you made a big mistake. And judging by your record as a general manager, it’s not your first,” he wrote in his letter to committee member Wayne Embry. Notably, Embry was also the General Manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Another instance of Ornstein helping out Zeke goes back to when the Pistons star was in LA for the 1998 Finals.

As per the reports, not only had IT sprained his ankle back then, but the Lakers would not let him use their facilities, as later stated by Thomas as well. As per a New York Times article, the news reached then press officer with the LA Raiders — Mike Ornstein.

The Raiders not only played a host to the Pistons but, as stated by Zeke, “Al Davis arranged for us to use their training room, everything… Their two trainers… worked on me for 14 or 15 hours straight to get the swelling down.” Notably, Davis held an executive position in the Raiders back then.

Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.