"One of the funniest things I've ever seen" - Bob Lanier on the hilarious moment when Dick Vitale raged at the Pistons

Once, during a Detroit Pistons practice, Dick Vitale reached his breaking point. Fed up, the head coach sent his team to the locker room to blow off some steam.

However, Dickie V's ensuing outburst had quite an unexpected effect, as afterward, the Detroit squad was nearly in tears - from laughter. Years later, Bob Lanier , the team's star at the time, shared insights into this humorous situation.

"He's spitting and hollering, and he makes his point and goes to storm out of the locker room, wanting to be very dramatic and leave us there unable to answer, but he can't get the door open. He's struggling with it, as his whole face and head turn red, then kicking it and cursing and screaming, 'Let me out of here,'" recounted 'Dobber,' per SLAM Magazine,

Vitale struggled with the Pistons

Today, Vitale is primarily known for his over 40-year broadcasting career, focusing on college leagues. Famous for his unique catchphrases, funny antics, and emotional moments, the sportscaster certainly never held back. His nature led to many entertaining incidents, including the highlighted one in the late 70s.

Back then, 'Dickie V,' after working as an assistant and head coach in the NCAA, had taken over the Pistons. However, like many others transitioning to the big league, John (his real name) couldn't quite make the leap. In hindsight, Lanier discussed one thing his then-head coach, whom he praised as both a "great basketball mind" and "motivator," could have done differently back then.

"He [Vitale] didn't want anyone listening to music on the bus if we lost because he thought it meant you weren't bothered by the loss," said the former 8-time All-Star. "You can't carry that mentality into the pros because there are too many games, and you can only ride that roller coaster so many times."

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From explosive rant to comedic highlight

'Dobber' also pointed out that if his fellow Hall of Famer had included a "pro-ball guy on his staff," his ex-coach's tenure might have fared better. However, in reality, this simply wasn't the case, and the team from D-Town looked very bleak at the time.

During 'Dickie V's first season, they finished with a disappointing 30-52 record. On a personal note, the head coach struggled with stress-related stomach issues during that period. Subsequently, after another poor start (4-8) in the following campaign, Vitale was fired.

Circling back to his outburst, it ultimately did have one positive effect: providing a humorous moment for the players, particularly for 'Dobber.'

"It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen, and the entire team was cracking up under our breath because no one wanted to be the one to let it out," he concluded.

Related: Why Bob Lanier didn't speak to Dominique Wilkins for nine years: "My daughter said, 'That dunk was on TV, you got dunked on like that?'"