Detroit Lions: How Information Distribution is Changing

The NFL has always been secretive, and in this age of increased social media, the Detroit Lions and others are becoming more restrictive with information.

Insider information is changing around the league. Teams are getting stricter on their employees about leaking information. Look at the current situation in Buffalo, where reporters are restricted from naming players who throw interceptions or drop passes. While it has made for some hilarious Twitter responses, this is becoming a more common practice.

In Detroit, we just recently found out that running back Ameer Abdullah had shoulder surgery last January. While fans are not happy about just now getting the information, the Detroit Lions are not obligated to release this information.

This is going to be how information is going to be distributed in today’s NFL and Bob Quinn is setting a tone in Detroit. This a quote from Side Lion Reports Jeff Risdon from an article during draft season:

"“Here’s the thing: nobody has much certainty on anything. New GM Bob Quinn has clamped down hard on any potential leaks, and the people under him have definitely received that message.”"

Mlive’s Justin Rogers addressed this topic in his most recent mailbag:

"“Understand, this isn’t about journalists complaining about their jobs. No one cares about that. This is about cutting off fans from information about the team they love and commit time and money to year after year.”"

Coming from New England, where Bill Belichick is notorious for keeping his information behind closed doors, Bob Quinn looks to be adopting a similar policy, But is the Lions policy as restrictive as Buffalo’s? He answered that as well:

"“No, the Lions’ policy isn’t this bad, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t trending this direction. And given the New England influence permeating the front office, it’s likely to get more restrictive going forward.”"

Next: Detroit Lions add Joint Practices with Pittsburgh Steelers

I expect this trend to carry over to things we see at practice, player injury reports, players roles on team, and just about most things fan like to debate. So will this make things more difficult to get a clear answer as to why things are happening? Of course, but that’s also part of what makes sports exciting.