June 2, 2011, - 7:42 pm

Threatened by New “Palestinian” Detroit Pistons Owner Tewfiq “Tom” Gores

By Debbie Schlussel

In early April, I told you about Tewfiq “Tom” Gores, the Israeli/Lebanese/”Palestinian” half-Arab/half-Greek/wholly cheesy billionaire who was buying the Detroit Pistons and its parent company, Palace Sports and Entertainment–Michigan’s largest sports and entertainment conglomerate–from the family of the late William Davidson.  I told you about Gores’ anti-Israel, anti-Semitic, pro-HAMAS relatives who incorrectly identify themselves as “Palestinians” and some of whom are mobster thugs in organized crime in Flint, Michigan.  This week, the NBA approved Gores as Pistons owner and the transfer was completed to much hype.  But I’m concerned about unsolicited contact and threatening phone calls from people allegedly representing Gores and his friends.

Cheesy Billionaire Tewfiq “Tom” Gores & His “Palestinian” Entourage @ Pistons Game

Sleazy Lawyer Keith Sirlin Threatened Me on Behalf of New Pistons Owner Tewfiq Tom Gores & His Friends

Not long after I wrote the piece and just a few hours before the holiday of Passover was about to start on Monday, April 18th, I received a threatening phone call, allegedly on behalf of Gores and his friends from a Detroit area attorney, Keith Sirlin, a sleazy looking guy who does criminal defense and bankruptcies.  Mr. Sirlin threatened me and told me that he had Tom Gores’ best friend Wade Mc-Something-or-other from Flint, whom he said was sitting next to him in his office listening to the call.  He told me he was calling on behalf of Tom Gores and his friends and that I had better remove my post about Gores.  He lectured me, “People of our religion [Sirlin is nominally Jewish] never write things like that.  We don’t do that.”

Me:  “Huh?  Everything I wrote about Tewfiq Tom Gores is absolutely correct and documented.  You have no problem with his anti-Semitic, pro-HAMAS, mobster family?  What do you mean ‘we never?’  If you were a good Jew, you’d know not to call me just a few hours before Passover with your absurd threats.  Who told you to call me?  Tell me again what the name of your client, Tom Gores’ friend is?”

Keith Sirlin:  “That’s not important.  What’s important is that you remove what you wrote about Tom Gores.”

Me:  “Um, is that a threat?  Either you tell me the last name and correct spelling of Tom Gores’ thug friend who is your client, or I’m hanging up in 4 seconds. 4-3- . . . .”

Sirlin kept refusing to name the guy, imploring me that I “must” remove my article on Tewfiq Tom Gores,  and trying to get me to stay on the phone.  I told him unless he named the guy I was hanging up.  And I did.  Click.

I don’t know Keith Sirlin.  His call was unsolicited and frightening.  I felt threatened.  And I doubt it was out of the blue.  No one operates in a vacuum.  And neither does Tewfiq Tom Gores.  His “Uncle Tom” Joubran is the mob godfather in Flint, according to testimony before a U.S. Senate Committee in the 1980s, as I noted on this site.  And “Uncle Tom” is the one who sponsored Gores’ immigration to the U.S. and mentored him in business.

As I’ve noted, the late William Davidson donated to my campaign both times I ran for the Michigan House of Representatives.  He was a proud, pro-Israel, Republican Jewish businessman.  He ran his business with hard work, not mobster threats and organized crime.  He is turning over in his grave at the man who has since taken over his beloved basketball team and entertainment empire.

I will not be coerced by Tom Gores and his thugs.  Frankly, he and his entourage–they look like the male, “Palestinian” cheesy version of “Charlie’s Angels,” or the idiot characters in “Saturday Night Live,” complete with tacky ’70s-look suits and chest hair.

But Gores’ Tony Montana-wannabe wardrobe, heavage, and not-so-veiled threats using a Jewish lawyer thug won’t stop me from writing what I want on this site.

Sorry, Keith and Tewfiq, I’m no Luca Brasi.  It’s your reputations–not me–who will sleep with the fishes.




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41 Responses

What a disgusting bastard that Gores guy. He owns the San Diego Union-Tribune, so his slimy hands are all over the country.

Phil Raimi on June 2, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    the same newspaper who refused to state that the taxi driver who purposely drove his cab into a line of people waiting for a bus that he was an arab or gave his name and called it an accident. even though it was immediately reported that people there drug him out of his cab and beat the crap out of him.

    Bill C. on June 2, 2011 at 10:11 pm

    Unfortunately, the first scavengers at the scene of a dying city in major recession is organized crime, now including those with a hidden ulterior Hamas supporting agenda. Detroit has been attracting maggots for years. This is just another tragedy that could have been easily prevented. Does the expression “sold down the river” ring a bell?

    Ron Wolf on June 12, 2011 at 11:46 am

Would a complaint about the threat to the police have any useful effect?

Jared on June 2, 2011 at 8:06 pm

I didn’t know Gores is Tom Joubran’s nephew. As soon as I read that little tidbit, all the pieces came together and I let out an audible, “Ah-ha!”

Writing as someone who was born, raised, and still resides in the Flint area, let me assure anyone who reads this that Debbie’s assessment of him is altogether accurate. Businesses owned by Joubran were extremely flammable. I believe he and the fire marshall got to be on a first-name basis after the first dozen or so investigations.

He was convicted of felonious assault for pulling a gun on a highway worker, and then followed it up by threatening to have the Genessee County Prosecutor killed.

His brother was murdered during an alleged robbery of his store, yet members of the Michigan State Police and Oakland County Sherriff’s Department familiar with the case have long maintained there was much more there than a simple robbery, and stories have long swirled regarding a mob execution.

On a more personal level, my mother made custom draperies back in the ’80’s and ’90’s. The customer paid half upon measuring and order, with the balance due upon installation. As soon as Joubran’s drapes were hung, he threw the installer out and refused to pay the balance.

All in all, a thoroughly repulsive and reprehensible character.

Rick Nordstrom on June 2, 2011 at 8:31 pm

When Gores’ Platinum Holdings bought the San Diego Union-Tribune a while back, the San Diego Reader did a very long piece about Joubran. He does sound like a truly despicable character from Rick’s posting. “Tom” Gores looks the same with his combed back hair, jewels, “heavage” and the arrogant Tony Montana look in his face (as Debbie so aptly describes). Gawd, what a culture – I don’t know how some one that successful can look so damn tacky and 70s-ish, and not even realize it. Makes my stomach turn – all greed and no class whatsoever. A Middle Eastern version of goomba mobsters.

Phil Raimi on June 2, 2011 at 8:57 pm

“Sleazy Lawyer Keith Sirlin Threatened Me”…OK, lawyers are legally considered an officer of the court…so…what exactly was the threat, other than “imploring me that I “must” remove my article” (which I can understand you considering a threat)? Is this grounds to file a complaint with the Bar?

Dr Dale on June 2, 2011 at 9:04 pm

In addition to being scum of the earth these guys are also
lazy fools. Just a little bit of research into what Debbie
has been doing over the years should be enough to let
anyone know Debbie will not back down.

Kol haKavod Debbie.

I_AM_ME on June 2, 2011 at 9:17 pm

If Gores feels he was defamed, he can file a libel suit. He hasn’t so far cuz the truth is a complete defense.

So he had a sleazy Jewish scumbag (why is it Jewish lawyers are always seen in the company of disreputable characters, criminals and terrorists) lawyer try to intimidate Debbie Schlussel into not writing anything on her site of which he disapproved.

There was only one thing left for her to do. To take the high road. Her enemies can take the one that leads to the sewer. In the end, as it always does, the truth will triumph.

NormanF on June 2, 2011 at 9:54 pm

I have a lot of respect for your courage and willingness to take unpopular positions when they are right. I think you are doing the right thing by publicizing this threat. Getting things like this into the open will certainly help protect you.

Little Al on June 2, 2011 at 11:06 pm

Stay strong, my friend!

Ed on June 2, 2011 at 11:18 pm

Here, Here! Keep up the good work, Debbie!

JeffE on June 2, 2011 at 11:41 pm

I would only say that Debbie should take extra precautions. People with such backgrounds tend to have little compunction about crossing the line if they feel they can get away with it, or if they can get some unconnected stooge to do it for them. To be blunt, I hope that Debbie is well armed and in a safe place.

worry01 on June 3, 2011 at 12:03 am

Good point, worry01. I share your hope that Debbie is well armed and in a safe place.

JeffE on June 3, 2011 at 12:26 am

Stay strong, Debbie! You are my hero!

Daphne on June 3, 2011 at 12:56 am

Debbie,don’t answer any late night knocks on your door and for G-ds sake,don’t stand directly behind your door if you do answer it.
Don’t give them any idea where you’re standing.

ebayer on June 3, 2011 at 2:04 am

Debbie’s a tough girl. She should be president.

DS_ROCKS! on June 3, 2011 at 3:24 am

I don’t know what Michigan allows in the way of personal protection, but this Texan recommends that you obtain a firearm (Glock 9mm is nice choice)and keep it close by. If you’ve never learned to shoot, find a range and a someone to teach you the basics.

Why? Because they might try to whack you? No. But they might try to frighten you with a “personal visit” or even pay someone to rough you up a bit. In my opinion you should not have to submit to either. But the State of Michigan may disagree. Be safe.

Don Kenner on June 3, 2011 at 9:03 am

Just to keep it simple… keep your powder dry and watch your six.

The Reverend Jacques on June 3, 2011 at 10:14 am

Debbie, I hope you have a firearm to protect yourself from sociopath nutjobs like this Tewfiq Gores POS and his lowlife henchmen thugs, because your not exactly sure what these lowlife jackasses are capable of doing to you if they meet you in person!

And I agree with Don Kenner, those of us who are law abiding should be armed with a firearm. But, if you have a drug problem then you shouldn’t own a firearm, ie, look what Jared Loughner did to those folks in Arizona back in January. He had a severe drug problem and the nutcase owned a firearm, only if you have a drug problem, then you shouldn’t own a gun.

“A nation is defined by it’s borders, language & culture!”

Sean R. on June 3, 2011 at 11:16 am

These are scarey sounding people Debbie. Maybe you should come hide out in Minnesota for a while!

Hang in there.

Mominminnesota on June 3, 2011 at 11:21 am

Debbie, another good form of personal protection is bear spray (for Grizzly Bears). But, seriously,watch out for these creeps.

Mominminnesota on June 3, 2011 at 11:22 am

Who ever said the Arabs are th scum of Earth was absolutely right. They live on laziness and gangstership. The Somali pirates are emulating what Muhammad did in his life. What is difficult about this to see

G. R. SCHAROUBIM on June 3, 2011 at 11:24 am

“Frankly, he and his entourage–they look like the male, “Palestinian” cheesy version of “Charlie’s Angels,” or the idiot characters in “Saturday Night Live,” complete with tacky ’70s-look suits and chest hair.”

Should have come with a warning not to read with any beverages in your mouth. My monitor has coffee all over it!

Debbie – I echo other readers thoughts on your safety. I also know your stance on guns. I would like to see you reconsider.

RW: Huh? I’m 100% for the Second Amendment and private gun ownership. DS

Road Warrior on June 3, 2011 at 12:37 pm

Get a kevlar vest for when you’re in your car.

ebayer on June 3, 2011 at 4:34 pm

Oberleutnant Ted Bastion: I gess you’ve never heard of Amar’e Stoudemire.

Rick Nordstrom on June 3, 2011 at 6:43 pm

Debbie you are one brave and courageous lady. Keep up the good work. Shabbat shalom and G-d’s blessings.

Naomi R on June 3, 2011 at 8:02 pm

I just don’t think men should spend more time on grooming than the women do.

David Lanham on June 4, 2011 at 12:55 am

What a prick!!! I mean the Jewish lawyer should have the moral decency of not standing on the side of the man hating Israel, but money (at least these days) overcome dignity. keep the beat coming Debbs, and fear nothing.

Adel on June 4, 2011 at 4:53 am

They are worried about you Debbie. To bad those two rag papers in Detroit
will not print this or our clown TV stations air this story.

Dtom on June 4, 2011 at 11:09 am

Your full shit Debbie. Get a damn life and quit butting in peoples business. Your just jealous your not a billionaire.

Lilly on June 4, 2011 at 12:27 pm

Lilly: That’s a fine command of the English language you have there. Fresh off the boat from Judea and Samaria, are we?

Rick Nordstrom on June 4, 2011 at 2:20 pm

Rick, this Lilly skank is an illiterate moron who clearly doesn’t know the english language very well. This thing Lilly’s grammar is just plain old pathetic, and Lilly, Debbie is NOT jealous of this Tewfiq Gores loser because he’s rich, she’s exposing the real truth about this POS and his thugs trying to intimindate a woman. As for Mr. Gores, try picking on someone your own size, try to pick a fight with a man instead of a woman you phucking p*ssy Tewfiq Gores.

Leo, for you to say that Hamas are freedom fighters is beyond stupid. They are NOT freedom fighters dumbass, there a islamic terrorist organization that doesn’t recognize Israel, and also I assume that muslim pressure groups in this country are getting their money from terrorist organizations overseas like hamas? And if I had any type of political power, I would investigate all of these so-called civil rights muslim pressure groups and use RICO on them, and if I find out that their getting their money from muslim terrorist organizations overseas, I would put all of their employees in jail for conspiraring against us in this country.

“A nation is defined by it’s borders, lanuage & culture!”

Sean R. on June 4, 2011 at 2:57 pm

The thugs must not read your site much, or they would know that you would never knuckle under to any sort of threat. Clearly, this sort of bullying is their usual M.O.

Adam on June 4, 2011 at 4:46 pm

Exactly correct Adam, I would like for this Tewfiq Gores POS to try an make any type of threat against a man and we’ll see what’ll happen to this bum!

I would like to see Tewfiq Gores make his appearence in TNA Wrestling and I would like to see him match up against “Samoa Joe” or any of the male wrestlers, Gores will be running with the tail between his legs and he’ll do #2 in his pants and I’ll be laughing my behind off at Gores.

“A nation is defined by it’s borders, language & culture!”

Sean R. on June 4, 2011 at 5:26 pm

@Who cares? I guess the question would be: if your home was on fire would you wake your family too or just stroll out nonchalant into the street?
You are right, Debbie is our Paul Revere. Unfortunatelly too many people are just rolling over in their bed and going back to sleep.

theShadow on June 5, 2011 at 1:00 am

I hope Gores condemns his uncle?

Truth on June 5, 2011 at 9:09 am

The bottom line is there are a lot of sleazy owners of sports teams. I live in LA and have experienced two of the more criminal in Bruce McNall and Frank McCourt. Remember the Rosenblooms and the Rams. Donald Sterling is a bit excentric. Jerry Buss has 20 year old Girlfriends and his son,always surrounded by porn stars. We had Disney and Michael Eisner, with the goofy suit and baseball cap look, and his tenure as Disney CEO. We also had Al Davis,Fox and Rupert Murdoch.

Just wise up a recognize you are being gouged with their prices for tickets, parking and concessions. You are brainwashed into becoming a “fan” and making a team such an important part of your life. The bottom line is the players are from somewhere else and will go anywhere they can get more money. The owner is from somewhere else and only cares about money. The people that care so much about sports are people with little education and few goals in life. Spend some time playing a sport and not watching. Get some hobbies of your own. Go coach some kid’s teams. It is better for your health.

Grown men watching and cheering for other men is sort of “gay”. Wearing another dude’s jersey is sort of “gay” (unless it is a real hero like Pat Tillman). Why wear some teams logo and give them free publicity. You do realise the players get all their “logos” for free to set the trend and make the fans the “sheep” who pay $30 – $5 for the shirt and $25 for the logo. The only true “fans” of sports teams should be kids. Kids are the ones who can aspire and learn from pro sports but kids can’t afford to attend. Some might not be abl eto afford the Tv packages now or real soon with some of the new deals. (ie Lakers -Time Warner Deal. You do know that billion dollar deal has to get paid somehow.)

It is time for the collapse of the “sports teams marketplace”. They are way over valued and need a reality check. Tickets, cable TV rights, advertising packages, team values would crumble if people would “get a life” and quit worshiping this meaningless nonsense by attending and watching so regularly. Are you upset a teacher makes $45,000 a year, an engineer makes $50,000, a honest cop make $60,000 and a pro benchwarmer makes $500,000 then stop supporting it.

It is an insult that owners like the McCourts needed a private plane at their disposal, spent $10000 a month on hair cuts, a couple thousand on flowers, need 5 homes, need all their meals paid for by the team and have their kids on the payroll who don’t work.

Run “guidestar” on any NBA teams “foundation” and you will see they are all holding up to a million dollars in cash reserves. Why can’t they spend that tax free money on the community? NOW? Why do they keep such huge reserves? They have no expenses and never do any long term large projects. They just send college dropouts to schools to teach kids to read and black top a few playgrounds every year. Big Deal. Then there is the stuff we don’t know about. )

It is time to give pro sports teams, player and owners a reality check. The facts are baseball has no stars and is boring without steroids, basketball has 2 players on every team that matter, hockey is a regional sport full of European players who can’t wait to go home every year, and football is a violent game that has an average of a 5 year career and then sends a bunch of injured players on to “disability” claims for life until they die at age 50.

Whether it is the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB – at the end of the season the league itself will ALWAYS have a .500 winning percentage so to them winning and losing is not an issue. Teams get to start over at 0-0 every year and convince you dummies that this year could be your year and you believe them. But NY, LA and BOS have way more money than the rest of you and will buy your players to always be good.

Randal P on June 6, 2011 at 2:12 pm

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