Mary Sheffield Responds To Stephen A. Smith
On Monday ESPN First Take analysist Stephen A. Smith spoke to the possibility of the Detroit Lions going to the Super Bowl. During the show, his co-host Molly Qerim asked, what is the bigger story line, Lamar Jackson going to the Super Bowl or the Detroit Lions. Stephen A. Smith said the Detroit Lions, but not for reason you think.
Smith began his reasoning by saying “Detroit – phenomenal fanbase. Great city. Been through a lot, the downtown area? Big time. The stadium? Big time. But you go to other outskirts of the Detroit area, and it looks like a damn desert town. I mean, I’m sitting here wondering how the hell people are making money. It looks like a desert town. Smith then goes on to say, “What the hell is going on in this city?’ And then you see the Detroit Lions and sort of reviving – they were on a respirator for crying out loud, just as a city. And what this franchise has done for that city and state?” These statements obviously rubbed Detroiters the wrong way including City Council President Mary Sheffield.
Mary Sheffield Responds To Stephen A. Smith
Sheffield took to social media to address Smith word by saying “Stephen Smith what we need you to do is not tell our story because clearly you don’t understand the true store of Detroit. Number one, the growth and development that has been happening in our city did not just start this year when the Lions made it to the playoffs. This redevelopment and regrowth has been taking place for almost ten years now.”
Sheffield then explain that the negative perception of Detroit by people with platforms is what is keeping a dark cloud of the city, but true Detroiters and true Detroit based business are keeping the city afloat and that this the story of Detroit that needs to be spread. The true definition of grit and grind comes from the people in this city and that is what the Lions are representing.
Smith did apologize on air, during First Take that same day and he did clarify his statements saying his intent was not to insult the people of Detroit and that he has nothing but love for the city.
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