Lions: Martha Ford Sends Letter to Season Ticket Holders
By Zac Snyder
Official words from the Detroit Lions organization have been few and far between since firing general manager Martin Mayhew and team president Tom Lewand. Martha Ford delivered a brief statement when the moves were initial announced but did not take questions from the media.
Interim general manager Sheldon White did hold a press conference and take questions this week but uncertainty remains about how the organization will proceed in the long term.
A Detroit News report that the team has hired a search firm to assist in finding new front office executives was refuted by reports today, drawing into questions just what is going on as the team looks to move forward.
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While still light on details, Mrs. Ford sent a letter this evening to season ticket holders via email. It reads:
"November 13, 2015Dear Lions Family,After the events of last week, I felt it was important to reach out to you.I am sure you share my disappointment with what has transpired so far this season with our football team. We all had expectations that we would improve on last year’s success, but that obviously has not happened.The organizational changes I made last week reflect not only our disappointment with this season, but also underscore our commitment to each of you.You deserve much better. Your support, loyalty and passion for the Lions over the years has been nothing short of remarkable. You have done your part. Now we must do our part. You deserve a Lions football team that is a consistent winner and one that competes for championships.In order to achieve this, we will conduct a thorough and exhaustive national search for the very best people to lead our organization.I also want you to know that we are not giving up on this season. As I told the media last week and our players and coaches on Monday, we expect our team to improve, compete, and win.Thank you again for your continued support of the Lions and please know that giving you a championship football team is the singular goal for me and my family.Regards,Martha F. Ford"
The first observation is that the letter reiterates that the team will conduct a national search for new leadership, perhaps offering reassurance to fans nervous about the conflicting reports of the hiring of a search firm and the prospects that interim GM Sheldon White could be handed the job on a permanent basis.
So far, the message from Mrs. Ford has been consistent. We just need to see those words put into action in the coming weeks and months.