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Lions 'Flag Guy' Got Ejected, Feels He Embarrassed Fans, Organization

Fan who got ejected from Packers game explains what occurred pregame.
John Maakaron|
A giant American Flag is displayed on the field during the National Anthem before the start of a Detroit Lions game
A giant American Flag is displayed on the field during the National Anthem before the start of a Detroit Lions game | David Reginek-Imagn Images

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Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions season-ticket members have opportunities to decide what additional benefit they can earn from supporting one of the best teams in the NFL.

Fahad Yousif decided to take advantage of the opportunity to be on the field pregame and be part of the National Anthem.

Prior to Lions games at Ford Field, fans assist in rolling out and holding the American flag during the singing of the Anthem.

Against the Packers, Yousif went viral online for jawing with Packers players and head coach Matt LaFleur.

“We’re about 5, 10 yards away from the sideline just kind of looking at all the players, definitely letting them know you’re going down, you’re done, it’s over," Yousif said, via WXYZ. "I let them know we’re gonna beat you two times, once home, once here and (LaFleur) didn’t like that. Once I did the throat slash, he absolutely lost it, which I understand. I mean, I got caught up in the moment, and the fans, and the adrenaline and stuff, but it was madness.”

MORE: Detroit Lions Jameson Williams Roasts Packers Jayden Reed

The Packers coach expressed a desire for officials to remove Yousif from the field, as he was making a throat slash gesture towards him.

After the video was captured and spread online, Lions security made the decision to eject Yousif at halftime.

“I love the Lions. The moment, I got caught up in it. I do feel a little bit like maybe I may have embarrassed some fans and the organization," said Yousif. "But that is not my intentions at all. I absolutely love the team. I’m sad it worked out this way, but I’m glad we got that win."

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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