Fans weren't the only ones shocked when news started trickling out that the Detroit Pistons had fired first-year head coach Maurice Cheeks. It seems the players didn't get advance word of the stunning move, either, at least based on their comments on Twitter. Here, you can see the reaction of Brandon Jennings and Charlie Villanueva in real time.
Wait what
— BRANDON JENNINGS (@BrandonJennings) February 9, 2014
Is it true?
— Charlie Villanueva (@CV31) February 9, 2014
Yes, it seems in the age of Twitter nobody can beat Adrian Wojnarowski.
After getting over the shock of the announcement, both players also had encouraging words both for Cheeks and for the team in general.
I will like to thank Mo Cheeks for everything, thank you for helping me become a better person & player. I'm still learning
— BRANDON JENNINGS (@BrandonJennings) February 9, 2014
We must stay strong. This is part of the game. Must stay focus and keep playoff in mind. We are a talented team, one game at a time.
— Charlie Villanueva (@CV31) February 9, 2014
This is breaking news in the 21st century, of course, but it's also a good reminder that what we're reporting on are real people with real, possibly strong bonds and relationships. It will be interesting to see how the team reacts both on and off the court to the firing of their first-year head coach.
Update to add Peyton Siva reaction:
Wow...
— Peyton siva (@PeypeySiva3) February 9, 2014