http://freep.com/article/20090313/SPORTS03/90313096/1048/SPORTS/Bill Davidson dies at 85 Six months after he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Detroit Pistons owner Bill Davidson died Friday at the age of 86. Davidson became majority owner of the Pistons in 1974. He also owned Palace Sports & Entertainment and the WNBA's Detroit Shock. He owned the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning until 2008. Services are scheduled for noon Tuesday at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, according to the Ira Kaufman Chapel Funeral Home. The Pistons players and coaches learned of Davidson's death shortly after the team's victory over the Raptors in Toronto. Many expressed disbelief and declined comment. “We are all deeply saddened by the news of Mr. D's passing,” Pistons coach Michael Curry said in a statement. “He's been a great owner who genuinely cared for players, coaches and employees. “He will not only be remembered as a great owner but also as a person who made a difference in many people's lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. D and the entire Davidson family.” Davidson died at his Bloomfield Hills home, team spokesman Matt Dobek said. A cause of death was not immediately known. Davidson has been in ill health the last few years, but he leaves behind a legacy of innovation and excellence. Nobody told Davidson what to do. He remained his own man. Many thought he was crazy buying the majority interest of the Pistons. It was considered a dying franchise, playing before sparse crowds at Cobo Arena in downtown Detroit. It had its stars in Dave Bing and Bob Lanier, but NBA basketball never captivated any more than a niche interest in Detroit during those days. The Pistons were basically a laughingstock when Davidson purchased them. Davidson proved the doubters wrong, eventually turning the Pistons into one of professional sports' more profitable and more identifiable brand names. He bought the Pistons from automobile parts magnate Fred Zollner for $7 million. The franchise is reportedly now worth more than $500 million. Many questioned his judgment once again when he insisted that his new palatial arena in a previously anonymous suburb north of Pontiac be fully privately funded. Man, this is sad news. Davidson will be missed.
