Jul 24, 2026, 2:53 PM CUT

Controversy erupts in Detroit Lions as NFC franchise refuses coverage to SI journalist

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 21: Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff 16 and Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell 58 lead the team out of the tunnel during pregame introductions the Detroit Lions versus the Pittsburgh Steelers game on Sunday December 21, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 21 Steelers at Lions EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2582025122101335

After covering the Detroit Lions for more than seven years, the Lions beat writer received unexpected news.

As reported by Sports Illustrated reporter John Maakaron, the Motor City team has pulled back his credentials and denied him access to team activities at its facilities.

“Please be advised that beginning with 2026 training camp, the Detroit Lions will no longer provide media credentials for Lions on SI,” John Maakaron publicly addressed the email. “This applies to all credentialed Lions football events at Ford Field and the Meyer Performance Center in Allen Park…”

Lions OL — 2025 NFL, American Football Herren, USA Regular Season: Detroit Lions at Washington Commanders Detroit Lions offensive line during the NFL regular season game at Northwest Stadium in Landover Maryland on November 9, 2025. The Detroit Lions defeated the Washington Commanders 44-22 Jeff Scudder / Image of Landover Maryland United States EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: x xJeffxScudderx JeffxScudderx iosphotos385269

John Maakaron of Detroit Lions on SI received an email revoking his access to media coverage for the 2026 NFL season.

The denial is not just limited to the facility coverage, but also to all sorts of media reporting from Sports Illustrated by Maakaron.

After his conversation with the Lions PR department, he got to know that he had made certain violations that led the Lions to arrive at this decision.

Maakaron has been known for highly critical columns and pushing tight boundaries regarding team info.

This includes opinion pieces calling for the departure of Lions Team President Rod Wood and publishing granular insider updates that occasionally rankled the front office.

Per John Maakaron of Detroit Lions on SI, this news came out of the blue. He first received his credentials in 2019, and since then he has written 7,000+ articles and more than 100,000 tweets.

He also reiterated that each NFL media credential is a revocable license and the rights are reserved by the Detroit Lions or the NFL.

The decision quickly sparked reactions across Detroit's media landscape, with one prominent Lions content creator openly criticizing the franchise's handling of the situation.

Lions Syndicate rips Detroit over John Maakaron decision

Amid the controversy between the Lions and John Maakaron of the Detroit Lions on SI, Derrick of the Lions Syndicate YouTube channel defended Maakaron and spoke highly of him.

“ I think the Lions, they are dropping the ball. And it may not be the Lions. It could be the NFL in its entirety,” Derrick said. “Maybe this is not allowed, but to me specifically, the Lions are dropping the ball on the connection between fan and team.”

Reacting to the decision on his YouTube channel, Derrick said the issue extends beyond one reporter and reflects a bigger disconnect between the team and independent media.

“What I loved about John... He saw us,” he added. “He treated us like humans. He treated us like fans, which is more than the Lions do.”

Derrick also praised Maakaron for the way he engaged with fans during his time covering the team, saying he served as a bridge between the organization and its supporters.

As of now, Maakaron remains a media partner with the franchise until any further developments occur on the Lions' side.

What do you think about the Lions’ move? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker