Category: Detroit, Michigan Local News

Aidan Hutchinson, Jared Goff weigh in on Dan Campbell not winning NFL Coach of the Year

In a season where the Detroit Lions shattered expectations and records alike, head coach Dan Campbell’s contribution to their historic run was unmistakable. Despite leading the Lions to their first 14-win season and a coveted spot in the NFC Championship Game, Campbell finished a distant third in the Coach of the Year voting, an outcome that has sparked considerable debate among players and fans.

Hutchinson and Goff Say Campbell Is Their Coach of the Year

Aidan Hutchinson and Jared Goff, prominent figures in the Lions’ roster, voiced their belief in Campbell’s deservingness of the title, underscoring the transformative impact he has had on the team’s performance and spirit.

“I think he deserved it, man,” Hutchinson told Fox News Digital. “We did some very historic things this year with our franchise. 

“Although awards are good, he’s all of our Coach of the Year in our hearts.”

“I don’t see why he wouldn’t [win],” Goff told Fox News after talking about his partnership with Jared Jewelry, where he said he’ll be gifting his entire offensive line with new Breitling watches following a great year. “I guess that award tends to go to a team that’s not expecting to, I don’t know, be as competitive. And when they are, or they have some injuries, and the coach kinda brings them through it, [he] ends up getting the award. I think we were expected to be pretty good, so it wasn’t a surprise. 

Why it Matters

The NFL Honors ceremony revealed Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns as the Coach of the Year, narrowly edging out DeMeco Ryans and leaving Campbell in third place. Despite this, Lions players unanimously feel Campbell was overlooked, citing the team’s unparalleled success under his leadership. The Lions not only won their division for the first time since 1993 but also secured a historic 14-win season, feats that have not gone unnoticed within the locker room.

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The Bottom Line – Beyond the Trophy

While the Coach of the Year award eluded Dan Campbell, the consensus within the Detroit Lions organization and its ardent fanbase is clear: Campbell’s influence extends far beyond the confines of a single season or award. His vision for the team has cultivated a culture of determination and unity, propelling the Lions to achievements that resonate louder than any trophy could. As the Lions look to the future, it’s evident that Campbell’s legacy, marked by this historic season, will be remembered not for the awards he didn’t win, but for the indomitable spirit he instilled in his team.

Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond scores electrifying goal that will be on highlights everywhere!

The Detroit Red Wings are back in action this afternoon against the Vancouver Canucks, and they wasted no time hopping on them early thanks to an electrifying goal from forward less than 60 seconds after the opening faceoff.

Raymond traveled through the neutral zone deked his way past towering defenseman Tyler Myers and left them all in his dust, depositing the puck past goaltender Casey DeSmith for the game’s opening goal:

The goal was the 14th of the year for Raymond, who is on pace to reach a new career high in points playing in his 3rd NHL season.

TL;DR (too long didn’t read)

1. The Red Wings resumed their regular season schedule this afternoon, bringing in the Vancouver Canucks to Little Caesars Arena.
2. Lucas Raymond scores electrifying goal less than a minute into regulation that will make highlight reels everywhere!
3. Raymond is also on track to reach a new career-high in points.

Detroit Lions 2024 NFL Draft Targets: OL Kingsley Suamataia Could Join Cousin Penei Sewell

After a heartbreaking defeat in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Detroit Lions are gearing up for a crucial offseason. The team’s focus has now pivoted towards strengthening their roster for the 2024 season, with the NFL Draft spotlighting as a golden opportunity for enhancement. General Manager Brad Holmes, renowned for his drafting prowess, aims to extend his successful streak at the 2024 NFL Draft, set to be hosted in Detroit. A prime candidate on the Lions‘ radar is BYU‘s offensive lineman (OL), Kingsley Suamataia, a prospect with familial ties to the team through his cousin, Lions’ offensive tackle (OT), Penei Sewell.

• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 329 lbs
• HAND: 10 3/8″
• ARM: 34 1/4″
• WINGSPAN: 82 1/2″

Strengths

• Robust Build: Thick and muscular physique with evenly distributed weight, good arm length, and large hands.
• Athleticism: Impressive burst and quickness for reaching blocking assignments effectively.
• Agility in Blocking: Remarkable agility in executing combo blocks and climbing to the second level, employing strength to displace and block defenders.
• Mobility: Smooth movements on pulls and climbs to seal off linebackers and safeties.
• Lateral Movement: Ability to maintain position at tackle with lateral movement and redirect capabilities.
• Pass Protection Technique: Nuanced hand techniques for initiating contact and disrupting rushers, including effective use of the snatch-trap technique.

Weaknesses

• Upright Playstyle: Inconsistent hand placement and an upright stance provide easier access for opponents.
• Decision-Making: Room for growth in managing space, body positioning, and reacting to wide rush alignments and stunts.
• Overzealous Approaches: Tendency for overcommitment, leading to vulnerability against agile defenders.

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Bottom Line

As the Detroit Lions look to reinforce their offensive line, Kingsley Suamataia emerges as a compelling draft target. His physical attributes, combined with his quickness and blocking techniques, align with the team’s requirements for a robust and dynamic OL unit. Joining forces with his cousin, Penei Sewell, could not only strengthen familial bonds but significantly bolster the Lions’ offensive line, contributing to the team’s aspirations for a formidable comeback in the 2024 season.

However, Suamataia’s transition to the NFL will necessitate addressing the noted areas of improvement to maximize his impact and ensure his longevity in the league. With Holmes at the helm, the Lions’ drafting strategy remains a beacon of optimism, with Suamataia potentially marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Detroit‘s offensive line.

Despite leading the NBA in losses the last 4 years, Detroit Pistons GM Troy Weaver says he ‘absolutely’ is the right man to continue to lead the rebuilding effort.

The Detroit Pistons have secured a modest two-game winning streak; however, despite this recent success, their overall record remains dismal at 8-43 through 51 games. In his first public remarks since his letter to Pistons fans last year, embattled GM Troy Weaver has stepped forward to defend his record. He stated emphatically that he remains the right person to continue leading the rebuilding efforts.

Weaver addresses the multiple Pistons trades at the NBA Trade Deadline

Weaver spoke to select media members earlier today and began by addressing the multiple trades that he made in time for yesterday’s NBA Trade Deadline:

“Obviously because of where we have been with our record, changes needed to be made and we wanted to make some changes and shift the energy,” Weaver said. “But we are working away at making sure that we continue to build the roster but more importantly complement our young core. That didn’t happen the first half of season for various reasons, but we’re not going to cry with spilled milk.

“We didn’t get it done and we wanted to make sure we continue to add to our identity, defense and shooting during this trade deadline. As you seen the last couple nights, that young core really stood up and that’s on me that we didn’t do a good enough job complementing them first half of the season. Injuries, defense, whatnot, just wasn’t there. I own that.”

Weaver says he’s ‘absolutely’ the right GM for the Pistons

It’s unfortunate that since Weaver assumed the role of GM in 2020, no NBA team has endured more losses than the Pistons. Nonetheless, Weaver maintains unwavering confidence in what he perceives as a gradual rebuilding process that he believes will ultimately yield success.

“Well, absolutely, I’m the right guy,” Weaver. “I sat here (in) June 2020 and said “We’re going to restore the Pistons,’ and that’s what we’re going to do. We have a plan in place. We have a young core that’s showing that they’re growing and they have a chance to be special players and it’s on us to continue to fortify that group. If you watched the last two nights, you should feel good about what’s ahead of us and the young core and the guys we believe in and we’ll continue to fortify this group.

“But like I said, from day one I’m unwavered on my assignment to restore the Pistons and that absolutely will happen. It’s taking a little longer. Like I said, we are in rough waters, but that’s only going to make us stronger and we are looking forward to brighter days and that will happen soon enough. I know the fans have been tremendous and they’re hurting and they want a winner on the floor no more than we do. And we’ll make sure that we’ll turn over every stone and work our tails off to put a team out there on the floor that they can be proud of and continue to come to LCA (Little Caesars Arena) and support us.”

TL;DR (too long didn’t read)

Bottom Line: Weaver has not earned the right to be defiant

It’s one thing to be confident, and it’s a completely different thing to be delusional. The simple fact is that Weaver has proven that he’s not the right GM for the job over the last four years, and that a two-game sample size does not qualify as a legitimate sign that the tide is starting to turn.

However, it doesn’t appear as though Weaver is going to be going anywhere, meaning that Pistons fans will have to endure his bungling of the franchise for longer.

Detroit Lions Free Agency Outlook 2024: EDGE Romeo Okwara

As the Detroit Lions chart their course for the 2024 season, the situation surrounding EDGE Romeo Okwara presents a nuanced decision-making process. Following a challenging recovery from his 2021 Achilles injury, Okwara’s future with the Lions, particularly as a backup to Aidan Hutchinson, is under scrutiny.

A Gradual Return to Form

Towards the latter part of the season, Okwara began showing signs of regaining his pre-injury form. However, his utilization throughout the season—seeing more than 20 defensive snaps in only four games, primarily within the first month—raises questions about his role moving forward. Despite returning to the Lions in 2023 on a reduced contract, Okwara has managed to demonstrate his capabilities in a limited capacity, contributing effectively within the confines of a smaller workload.

Contemplating Future Contributions

The crux of Okwara’s situation lies in whether his performance this season aligns with the Lions’ strategic vision and salary cap considerations for 2024. Additionally, Okwara’s own aspirations and whether he envisions his future in a backup role or seeks a more prominent position elsewhere will be pivotal in the coming discussions.

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The Bottom Line – Navigating Forward

Romeo Okwara’s journey with the Detroit Lions is at a crossroads. Despite a commendable effort to return to competitive form, the dynamics of his contributions and the evolving needs of the Lions’ defense suggest a potential parting of ways as the new league year commences in March. While Okwara’s tenure in Detroit may be drawing to a close, his talent and resilience should see him continue to impact the edge defender role with a new team, where his experience and skills will undoubtedly be valued.

Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders Magically replaces Roger Goodell at NFL Honors Show

The NFL Honors Awards show, held in Las Vegas on Thursday night, took an unexpected turn when magicians Penn and Teller orchestrated one of the most memorable moments in the event’s history. In an astonishing act, they made NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell vanish, only to replace him with Detroit Lions icon Barry Sanders. The duo was introduced by host Keegan-Michael Key, who played along with their magical antics, leading to a spectacle that left the audience in awe and laughter.

The Big Picture: A Fusion of Magic, Comedy, and Football

This year’s NFL Honors was not just about recognizing the outstanding achievements within the league; it became a showcase of entertainment transcending the sport itself. The collaboration between Penn and Teller and Keegan-Michael Key brought a unique blend of magic, comedy, and football to the stage. By involving Roger Goodell and Barry Sanders in their act, the magicians not only paid homage to the legends of the game but also demonstrated the universal appeal of sports and entertainment.

Barry Sanders!

When Keegan-Michael Key introduced Penn and Teller to the stage, the famous magician duo immediately set the scene for an unforgettable act by seeking two volunteers: one adept at card selection and another ready for a daring and adventurous task. Key, playing his part perfectly, quickly volunteered himself as the skilled card picker and then turned to the audience to find someone for the adventurous role.

With no volunteers stepping forward, Key decisively chose NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for the thrilling task. Goodell found himself in a cage with a fan whirling cards around him, while Key remained on stage to draw a card. After revealing his chosen card to the audience, Penn and Teller added the full deck to the cage, activated the fan to scatter the cards, and draped a curtain over the enclosure. Following a humorous exchange with Key, the magicians whisked the curtain away to reveal the legendary Barry Sanders, now donned in a king’s crown and robe, standing where Goodell once was.

In a playful turn, Key consulted Goodell’s wife in the audience, humorously inquiring if they could extend Barry’s stay, to which she warmly agreed.

TL;DR (too long didn’t read)

1. Penn and Teller perform a stunning magic trick at the NFL Honors, making Roger Goodell disappear.
2. Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions legend, appears in Goodell’s place, adorned with a king’s crown and robe.
3. The audience and Goodell’s wife embrace the playful switch, adding a light-hearted moment to the evening.

The Bottom Line – A Legendary Swap

The magical substitution of Roger Goodell with Barry Sanders at the NFL Honors show was more than just a trick; it was a moment that bridged generations of football fans. Sanders, wearing a king’s crown and robe, symbolized the timeless legacy of NFL greats, while the playful nod from Goodell’s wife underscored the camaraderie and light-hearted spirit that pervades the league.

This act of illusion perfectly captured the essence of the NFL Honors: a celebration of excellence, history, and the sheer joy of football. As the audience and fans across the country reveled in the spectacle, it was a reminder that the NFL’s magic extends far beyond the gridiron, enchanting us all with moments of wonder and surprise.

Vanessa Bryant has savage message for the haters at Kobe Bryant statue unveiling [Video]

The unveiling of Kobe Bryant‘s statue outside the Crypto.com Arena marked a pivotal moment, not just in commemorating the legendary Los Angeles Lakers player but also in defining how his legacy is perceived and protected. During the ceremony, Kobe’s wife Vanessa Bryant made a bold statement to critics, underscoring a significant stance on respecting Kobe‘s personal choices and the enduring respect his legacy commands.

Vanessa Bryant Does Not Mince Words

Here is what Vanessa said to anyone out there hating on Kobe’s statue.

“For the record, Kobe picked the pose you’re about to see. So if anybody has any issue with it, tough sh*t,” Vanessa said.

TL;DR (too long didn’t read)

1. Vanessa Bryant delivers a strong message to critics of Kobe Bryant‘s statue pose.
2. Kobe‘s statue, depicting him in his iconic number eight jersey pointing to the sky, was unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena.
3. The pose, chosen by Kobe himself, commemorates his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006.

The Bottom Line – Beyond the Bronze

In a world where public figures are often subject to scrutiny and their legacies debated, Vanessa Bryant‘s forthright address serves as a stark reminder that at the heart of such tributes lies a personal story and choices that deserve respect. The unveiling of Kobe Bryant‘s statue is not just about immortalizing a sports icon in bronze but about cementing his legacy in the way he wished to be remembered.

As fans and spectators, our role isn’t to critique but to celebrate and honor the legends in the manner they and their loved ones deem fitting. In the shadow of Kobe‘s statue, a new precedent is set — one of respect, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a legacy left untouched by external opinions.

NEW YORK — Body camera video just released Thursday shows the attack on two members of the NYPD in Times Square late last month.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said he’s identified 11 people that were involved, and Thursday afternoon, seven of them were indicted.  

Two of those indictments are people the NYPD has not found yet. 

Five suspects are still unaccounted for. 

Around 8:30 p.m. Jan. 27, body camera video shows asylum seekers talking back to police who are telling them to stop blocking the sidewalk on West 42nd Street. Eventually, an officer has 24-year-old Yohenry Brito against a wall. Bragg said Brito was refusing to comply, which eventually led to the group assault on the two cops. 

“This assault, as it did to many of you, sickened me and outraged me. We all rely on our members of the NYPD, as I said, to keep us safe and keep this the safest big city in America,” Bragg said. “As a lifelong New Yorker, I do not tolerate attacks on our police officers, and certainly I do not as Manhattan district attorney. So, let me be clear, plain and simple. The behavior depicted that of you have seen is despicable.”

Bragg walked through video showing what he said was everyone’s involvement in the Jan. 27 attack. He’d previously said it was unclear, which is why he didn’t ask for bail, leading to criticism. 

“The level of review was meticulous, because it must be,” Bragg said. “We have to ensure that we identified and charged those individuals who actually criminal acts in this matter. The only thing worse than failing to bring perpetrators to justice would be to ensnare innocent people in the criminal justice system. Based on our thorough investigation, I stand here today confident that we have identified the roles of every person who broke the law and participated in this heinous attack.” 

Yoheny Brito, Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, Yorman Reveron, Kelvin Servita Arocha are all charged with second degree assault. Wilson Juarez is charged with evidence tampering. Brito is being held on bail after he allegedly refused to clear 42nd Street upon officers’ commands. 

Four of those indicted are migrants previously released on their own recognizance, including Reveron, who Bragg says can be seen grabbing, pulling and throwing two officers to the ground, and Gomez-Izquiel who allegedly grabbed one officer and kicked another. 

The DA said two others didn’t touch police, adding that Arocha kicked a police radio and Juarez changed jackets with Brito, who was wearing yellow. Juarez is the only one not facing a second degree assault charge. 

“This was a despicable attack not only on police officers, but an attack on a symbol of justice,” Mayor Eric Adams said.  “We did our job in making the apprehension. The district attorney is doing his job of doing the prosecuting. And if they’re found guilty, and if suitable, the federal government should do their job in deporting them from our city.” 

The NYPD has said, based on neck tattoos and other info, some may have gang ties to Venezuela. 

Two additional people were indicted, but are not accounted for, including a man in a blue jacket who the DA said kicked and grabbed the leg of an officer, and another individual in a Fila jacket who grabbed an officer. 

Three others are unaccounted for, including a man in a red shirt and white seen in the surveillance video kicking an officer’s head multiple times and grabbing the collar of another. There’s also a wanted poster for a man who law enforcement sources ay is seen in video kicking an officer in the head and then falling. 

“We interact with shelters every day. But as far as targeting them by showing photographs, you know, we have the pictures out on social media, we have the pictures out through the regular media, and that’s how we’re trying to identify them,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. 

The police union president said, in part “these indictments won’t mean anything unless these individuals show up in a Manhattan courtroom… . We won’t call it justice until they are all behind bars.”

Police sources had said some of those indicted previously boarded a bus for Mexico, but the DA says there’s no evidence of that. He said one of them showed up in court Wednesday for a different charge. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it arrested four non-citizens Monday who were on a bus from Texas to Arizona. “Efforts are underway to determine if any of these individuals are implicated in the Jan. 27, 2024 attacks against officers of the New York City Police Department,” a spokesperson said. 

The DA has said they are not. 

The DA said he’s working with the NYPD to find the five people unaccounted for in the attack. 

If convicted, most of those arrested face up to seven years in prison. 

No one is considered a fugitive unless they miss their next court date. 

Anyone with information can call 212-335-9040. 

Lisa Rozner

Lisa Rozner joined CBS2 in 2017.

Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde appeared on 97.1 The Ticket earlier this morning to discuss his team’s outlook following the All-Star break along with the health of Patrick Kane.

While they’ve been out of action for over a week now, the Detroit Red Wings are set to resume their schedule this weekend when they host the Vancouver Canucks at Little Caesars Arena Saturday afternoon. Head coach Derek Lalonde joined the “Stoney and Jansen Show” on 97.1 The Ticket earlier this morning, where he shared insights into his team’s strategies for regaining momentum after the break, along with the necessary steps to maintain the positive trajectory they established in January as well as the health of forward Patrick Kane.

Lalonde joined 97.1 The Ticket this morning

Lalonde emphasized the necessity of the break but highlighted the importance for his players to reignite their competitive spirit akin to their winning streaks in January.

“The guys definitely took some time off, and it’s needed to decompress,” he said. “I had some time off and it was more just chasing my kids around between hockey and soccer.”

“What we did in January,” Lalonde said when asked what they have to do this month to maintain their momentum. “I think we did a pretty job of what I emphasized, keeping it out of our net. Our team defense improved vastly, I don’t know if it’s natural for the group, it’s just a huge credit for the group that they dug in and started emphasizing things on the defensive side of the puck. Our group did that and they got rewarded. But one thing, as much as the long break was needed, when you’re in the trenches and you’re at it every day, you can probably forget how hard you’re competing, and we’ll have to get that back with our first practice today.”

Thanks to their strong play in January, Detroit was able to reverse their fortunes of the miserable December that they experienced – but how much time does Lalonde spend looking at the standings?

“I am the worst self-admitted scoreboard watcher, and what I mean is that during that December slide, we were having, and this is no exaggeration, I never looked at the standings,” he said. “We win a few games and we’re on a roll, and after the January we had, I for sure peek at the standings. I do a little of it, but mostly in the fair weather part of it.”

Lalonde discusses status of Patrick Kane for Saturday

Lalonde was then asked about the status of forward Patrick Kane, who has been missing since January 14 with a lower-body injury.

“I’ll get a better feel from our sports medicine team today, but all indications are that if we gave him the extra time over the break, that he’d be back,” he said. “We’ll get a feel in the next two practices here, but I would expect him to be back in the lineup on Saturday.”

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Bottom Line: Back in the swing of things Saturday

The Red Wings made waves in January, notching 20 points in the standings for the first time since 2012. To maintain their playoff aspirations, they must sustain their momentum.

This Saturday afternoon, the Red Wings face the Canucks, a formidable Western Conference team, in a 1:00 PM EST showdown. Catch the action on Bally Sports Detroit or tune in to 97.1 The Ticket for radio coverage.

There are less than six weeks left until spring starts and what is bound to be an interesting season for homebuyers. Spring has long been considered a popular time for buyers to start house hunting. The warmer weather makes for a more comfortable search and, if timed properly, can allow for a closing during the summer, before kids return to school. That said, this spring will likely be unique for buyers as it is set to bump against predicted mortgage rate cuts.

The Federal Reserve has raised its benchmark interest rate range numerous times in recent years to help tame inflation but with inflation now coming down, that rate could soon be cut, possibly as soon as March. And when that comes down, mortgage interest rates will fall, too — right as homebuyers reenter the market. Below, we’ll break down three ways mortgage rate cuts could affect homebuyers this spring season.

In the market to buy a home? See what mortgage rate you could get here now.

How will mortgage rate cuts affect the spring homebuying season?

Here are three possible ways that a reduction in mortgage rates could affect homebuyers during the warmer months.

Inventory could improve

Many existing homeowners have been reluctant to sell their homes and thus lose their current low interest rate. But if rates are cut those owners may be more willing to put their homes on the market, increasing what has been a pretty low inventory as of late. 

This will be welcome news for buyers who have had less to hunt for in recent years. Considering that inventory traditionally increases in March, April and May anyway, this could combine for a much more robust homebuying season than buyers have encountered in recent years. 

With this scenario in mind, buyers should start exploring their mortgage options now and consider getting pre-approved so that they’re ready to act when the market opens up. 

Get started here now.

Competition could increase

A growing inventory of houses for sale won’t be completely positive, however. More available houses could also lead to increased competition among buyers, potentially complicating the homebuying process. 

“We believe the market will be much more competitive this year than it was in 2023 with more multiple offers and fewer concessions from sellers,” Jason Obradovich, the chief investment officer of New American Funding, recently told CBS News. “Because of this, cash offer programs will be popular, as buying with cash can give buyers a competitive advantage.”

With the potential for increased competition, prospective buyers should do all they can to boost their profile in advance. This can include improving their credit score, getting pre-approved and planning their budget so that they know exactly what they can and can’t afford.

Prices could change

Home prices generally head in one direction: up. That said, some drops inevitably take place and if buyers time their purchases carefully, they may be able to take advantage of them. But if mortgage rate cuts do take place — and inventory does improve — it’s unlikely that home prices will remain where they are currently. 

Depending on the market you’re buying in, prices could rise or drop. The forecast for home prices in 2024 vary based on multiple factors. Just understand that the home you’re planning on buying today may not be the same price by the summer. 

Learn more about the home buying process here now.

The bottom line

Homebuyers waiting for some flexibility in the market may be in luck this spring. With the potential for rate cuts high, the real estate market is likely to change soon. This could mean an improvement in inventory but also an adjustment to the number of active buyers. And with rate cuts and an uptick in buyers, home prices may also evolve to a new norm. To prepare for these scenarios buyers should start researching their mortgage rate options now so that they’re ready to act this spring.