Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has authorized the return of professional sports, as Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press writes. Whitmer’s statement reads as follows:
“Good news, sports fans. We are now ready to gradually and safely allow professional sports to resume in Michigan. While this is an encouraging step in the reopening of our economy, it is critical for athletes to continue social distancing and taking precautions to stay safe. We want to keep our momentum going and keep moving forward, so it’s incumbent on everyone doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
Whitmer’s executive order makes it clear that live audiences are still not permitted. However, the order does allow for the Lions to start training camp at the end of July as planned, and perhaps for the team to host a preseason contest at Ford Field.
Whitmer has maintained for some time that capacity crowds will not be permitted until there is a COVID-19 vaccine, which could happen at the end of 2020 or early 2021. But even partially-filled stadiums feel like something of a stretch for most teams, the Lions included.
“[T]he fact of the matter is, COVID-19 is a novel virus and that means it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” Whitmer said in May. “We’re learning a tremendous amount. Every week that goes by, we’ve learned so much more about this disease and what it’s going to take to keep us safe and to avoid that second wave.”
So if the NFL season moves forward, the Lions will be at Ford Field. It just doesn’t sound like any of their fans will be joining them.
You can completely set aside the virus as a separate topic and still have a serious debate about whether pro sports should be allowed to resume in Michigan.
The Tigers. Worst record in MLB.
The Wings. Worst record in the NHL.
The Lions. Third worst record in the NFL, which makes
them the queen bees of Motown, I guess.
Are the Pistons any good?
Harsh
The Pistons are in compete rebuild mode, with the fifth worst record in the NBA at 20-46. I suppose this only strengthens your argument
Hahaha A+ comment JoshBell
Yup. I couldn’t even imagine being a fan of all those teams. Talk about darkness.
You wanna talk darkness…. how about of those 4 teams the Lions are the closest to a championship.
Yeah. I know.
Mo-town is Low-town right now. Wings need a big break tonight.
The Wings did not get their big break. The Lions should be the least lousy Detroit team until 2022,when hopefully the Tigers will emerge!
Gruß,
BSHH