The day after the NBA suspended three Pistons for their roles in a fight with the Timberwolves in Detroit's loss last Sunday in Minnesota, owner Tom Gores came out in defense of his players.
"In recent days, our team has faced scrutiny stemming from moments of intensity on the court. Let me be absolutely clear: We stand behind our players," Gores said in a statement released Wednesday night.
Isaiah Stewart was suspended two games, with the NBA citing his "repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts," while Marcus Sasser and Ron Holland II were both suspended one game. Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid also received one-game suspensions, despite instigating and escalating the situation after a common foul by Holland on Reid.
While said Gores said he wishes "the penalty outcome had been different," he went on to express "pride in our players, passion for our city, and a clear voice of support for all those who wear the Pistons colors."
"Detroit has always been a city that plays with hustle and pride. The Pistons have never shied away from playing hard and having each other's backs, and we won't start now. In Detroit, we rise together," Gores said.
His statement continued: "To our players and coaches: Continue to work hard and play hard. We see you. We appreciate you. We support you. Your dedication fuels this franchise, and your courage inspires us all.
"To our fans: Thank you for riding with us through every game, battle, and moment. Your energy fuels our players and makes the Pistons who we are.
"Together, we will keep building together. Together. we will keep competing. And together, we will keep proving that Detroit basketball is more than a game -- it's a way of life."
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who was ejected following the fight along with the aforementioned players after getting into it with an assistant coach for the Timberwolves, said of Gores' backing, "Our owner is awesome."
"His care for this team and these guys is above and beyond anything I've seen" Bickerstaff said, via the Detroit News. "His support is everlasting, and it’s awesome. It feels great to be a part of. He’s a competitor, too, and loves how the guys compete. They represent him."