SI.com recently had a ranking of the 25 most hated teams in sports history and Detroit was well represented in this ranking. Out of Pro and College teams the 1988-89 Bad Boys the Detroit Pistons were ranked the most hated PRO franchise of all time. They actually were second on the list but the 1986 University of Miami football team coached by Jimmy Johnson took the top spot. Here is what SI.com had to say about the Pistons…
Between the joy of Magic and the majesty of Michael was the dark and frightening rise of the Bad Boys. They threw hip checks like the Red Wings and were as mean as any boxer in Kronk Gym. Outside the state of Michigan, you wanted these guys in handcuffs. Never has an NBA team been so easy to detest, what with Rick Mahorn throwing forearms, Dennis RodmanBill Laimbeer (pictured, left, with Mahorn) fits. (Somewhere, Laimbeer is probably still whining to the refs). Worst thing about them? They were a great basketball team. For all their roughhousing, the Pistons could light up the scoreboard with anyone — Isiah Thomas flashing that sneaky grin as he beat you off the dribble, Joe Dumars locking up opponents and knocking down threes, Vinnie (Microwave) Johnson throwing in jumpers from everywhere. Fact is, the Pistons helped end two dynasties (Magic Johnson‘s Lakers and Larry Bird‘s Celtics) and delayed the start of a third (Michael Jordan‘s Bulls). They were bullies in basketball togs, but they could play. — Damon Hack elbows and

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