Detroit, MI
Detroit police chief talks security ahead of 2024 NFL Draft:
(CBS DETROIT) – We are less than two weeks away from the start of the 2024 NFL draft, and downtown Detroit will surely look a lot different once fans barrel into Motown.
With thousands of new visitors, police say security will be tight.
“We do big events in Detroit, we do Taylor Swift, we do Beyonce concerts, you know, we know how to manage big crowds. This is unique, it’s bigger than ever a Superbowl,” Detroit Police Chief James White said.
From national parades to concerts, Detroit sees it all. But with the NFL draft touching down in weeks, it’s a whole new feat. It’s estimated at least 300,000 people will travel into the city to enjoy the festivities.
READ: NFL Draft in Detroit. New details about how to get around the city
“Pack some patience. You are going to have to park early. You can’t come down at the last minute and think you are going to have full access to everything,” White said.
Road closures will continue throughout downtown until the main event. Visitors should expect things to be more controlled in the coming weeks. In total, there are six phases of closures. Phase three begins Monday as Hart Plaza gets draft-ready.
“They’re going to progressively see more road closures until we get to the go time. In fact, they are going to have to really manage and plan ahead of where they are trying to go,” White said.
As the city takes the national spotlight, the excitement builds. But for the chief, he and his team spent a year crossing Ts and dotting I’s to make sure all residents and visitors could enjoy the fun.
“The whole event is weapons-free. Often when we say weapons-free, people think we are talking guns. No weapons, no brass knuckles, no pepper spray,” White said.
A big topic for the draft preps is the new “Detroit” sign on Interstate 94. It’s been a talker for sure with some on social media criticizing the sign while others think it helps set Detroit apart.
“Maybe I’m in the minority on this. I kind of like it, and I think it’s unique. I’ve been focused on the draft, so I really haven’t paid much attention to the social media chatter on it, but I drove it today, and it looks kinda cool to me,” White said.
CBS News Detroit is told there’s even a special detail assigned to watch over the sign to make sure no one bothers it.
For the chief, he’s confident that the city of Detroit will be able to show its beauty and grit for the world to see.
“That narrative that’s associated with Detroit, as my daughter says, is played out, and we are in a different place right now. We are ready to show the world what we can do,” White said.
Murder and two related charges have been filed against a Detroit man in the aftermath of an altercation that left one man dead and his brother seriously injured.
Michael Alan Harris, 42, of Detroit was arraigned Tuesday in 36th District Court of Detroit on charges of first-degree murder, felony firearm and resisting and obstructing a police officer, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.
The charges are related to the fatal shooting of Jalen Coats Stevens, 28, of Detroit, Worthy said. Stevens was pronounced dead at the scene of an altercation early Sunday in the 15900 block of Grand River Avenue.
During the altercation, Stevens’ brother, Glenn, was stabbed over a dozen times but survived. He has been in the hospital since. Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil hosted by the Stevens family Tuesday night outside of Chita’s Nefertiti bar. The brothers were celebrating a work promotion for Jalen Saturday night before the altercation erupted.
While it was known by Tuesday night that one person was in custody, the family asked the public and police to continue working on the investigation, as the person who had stabbed Glenn had not been located.
In the meantime, Harris is scheduled for a probable cause conference Jan. 14, and a preliminary exam is set for Jan. 21.
The above video originally aired Jan. 6.
Blough is only two years into his coaching career after retiring from playing after the 2023 season. He has spent the last two seasons as the Washington Commanders’ assistant quarterbacks coach, helping young quarterback Jayden Daniels emerge as a strong franchise player for Washington. Late in the 2025 season, Commanders quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard took the Stanford head coaching job, leaving Blough to serve as the interim quarterbacks coach for the rest of the season.
While backing up Jared Goff in Detroit, Blough was often described by the coaching staff as an excellent backup and strong offensive mind.
“I love the kid, if I’m being totally honest with you,” Campbell said back in 2021. “He’s just a little football player. And when I say that, I mean that in the highest regard. Look, he’s smart. He’s extremely smart. He knows where to go with the football, I love his timing. He knows how to command the huddle, he communicates well and on top of that, he’s a hell of a dude, by the way. He just is. So, he has not disappointed. He’s doing a good job. He’s out there competing with the rest of those guys.”
As of now, this is the only known candidate for the Lions’ offensive coordinator position, but it’s still early in the process. When more candidates emerge, we’ll have a tracker so you can see all of the names in one place.
Longtime Detroit sports radio host and columnist Pat Caputo has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he announced Monday.
Caputo, a host on Detroit’s 97.1 The Ticket, last published a column on Nov. 7. On Monday, he explained the reason behind his absence.
“For those wondering where I’ve been: I have been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, commonly referred to as a “death sentence” and had two other serious ailments which put me in ICU for several days,” Caputo wrote in a post to X. “It was sudden. I’ve literally been on my back for weeks. Bless you all.”
Caputo, 66, became a well-known personality in Detroit sports media during his time as an award-winning columnist for The Oakland Press from 1983-2020, according to the Detroit Free Press. He also was previously part of WXYT’s “Evening Sports” broadcast, and is an official voter for the Baseball Hall of Fame and college football’s Heisman Trophy award, according to his X bio.
Caputo is nicknamed “The Book” for his impressive memory retaining sports stats and information, according to FOX 2 in Detroit, where he has been a regular guest on its “Sports Works” broadcast.
Caputo’s social media announcement regarding his health drew support from fellow sports media professionals, including Brad Galli, sports director at WXYZ Detroit, and ESPN’s Dan Wetzel and Dave Pasch.
“Pat, we’re praying for [you],” Galli wrote. “Awful awful awful to read this, man. God bless you.”
“Legend. Stay strong my friend. So much support out here for you,” Wetzel posted.
“Book, praying for you my friend. So sorry to hear this,” Pasch wrote.
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