(CBS DETROIT) – The Detroit Lions have shown the world this season that they have what it takes to succeed, but can they handle the pressure — heading into the championship — with a first-ever trip to the Super Bowl on the line?
Metro Detroit sports psychology coach Dr. Jason Novetsky with the Champion Mindset Group tells CBS Detroit he believes the Lions have it in them.
He says that while Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers will be physical, the key to winning will be mental toughness.
“If you see something as a threat, you’re going to be scared, you are going to be worried about a bunch of things outside of your control, and it’s going to freeze you up, and that’s when people tend to choke. And if you see it as a challenge or opportunity, then you will be more present, grounded in the moment, focusing on what you need to do to pursue success than focused on avoiding mistakes,” Dr. Novetsky said.
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And make no mistake about it, Novetsky says he has had his challenges with keeping his emotions under wrap. He says it was almost near impossible to do when he spent the Lions’ first two playoff games rooting them on at Ford Field.
“It was emotional. I tried to separate my business side from my fan side, and the fan side took over,” Novetsky said.
As for the fans, he says handling any pressure, anticipation, or excitement is nothing a little meditation, yoga, or even some deep breaths can’t fix before the big game.
“Let’s keep it in perspective; it’s still a sport, it’s a game. Yes, it means a lot. I’m not diminishing that, but it’s not life or death; the sun will come up on Monday, and life will go on,” Novetsky said.
The Detroit Lions travel to take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
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Ibrahim Samra
Ibrahim Samra joined the CBS Detroit news team as a multi-skilled journalist in September 2022.
The Detroit Lions are facing a significant dilemma regarding a player selected in the first-round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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Cornerback Terrion Arnold is facing multiple felony charges stemming from an alleged robbery and kidnapping plot in Florida.
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When drafted, the former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back signed a four-year, $14,343,710 contract. The agreement included a $7,251,788 signing bonus and an average salary of $3,585,928 annually.
So at this point, Arnold has been paid more than half of his contract.
This year, Arnold was set to earn a base salary of $1,273,974, which included a roster bonus of $825,000. His cap hit is $3,911,921 this year and has dead cap hit of $9,127,816.
If the Lions decide to cut the 23-year-old, they would be on the hook for dead cap costs, but could in the future recoup monies based on the league’s conduct policy.
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According to Spotrac, “Lions Terrion Arnold has 2-years, $4.8 M (guaranteed) remaining on his rookie contract, plus a potential 5th-year option for the 2028 season. Any suspension stemming from a violation of the league’s conduct polict would void the guarantees.”
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In the short term, cutting Arnold is not significantly beneficial. The organization could save money in the future depending on if his decisions are deemed to have breech the clauses in his first NFL contract.
Detroit has options at the cornerback position if Arnold is no longer a part of the organization. Nick Whiteside, Rock Ya-Sin, Keith Abney and Ennis Rakestraw are all in the mix to earn playing time opposite of veteran D.J. Reed.
“It’s just the depth. Like, you’ve got guys that have played in games and that’s what you want. It’s not like you’re guessing on what you’re getting. You know what you’re going to get from those guys and so another year in the system, another year competing, he’s (Whiteside) going to be better,” said defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend. “And just that’s the thing about the NFL, you got to have guys who go out there and compete and he’s another one that’s capable of playing and it’s going to push everybody else in the room.”
Currently, the team has $19,338,873 (17th) available in cap space, based on the top-51 players on the roster.
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#Lions CB Terrion Arnold has 2-years, $4.8M (guaranteed) remaining on his rookie contract, plus a potential 5th-year option for the 2028 season.
Any suspension stemming from a violation of the league’s conduct policy would void the guarantees.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) June 25, 2026
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Police had not released details about the nature of the investigation
DETROIT – A large police investigation was underway on Detroit’s west side.
Update: 7-year-old boy shot multiple times, man killed in shooting on Detroit’s west side
The scene is taking place on Wednesday (June 24) near Burgess Street, not far from Outer Drive and Fenkell Avenue.
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Police had not released details about the nature of the investigation.
Multiple requests for information from the police were pending.
Local 4 photographer Sara Schulz, who is at the scene, observed officers searching the area and appeared to be looking for evidence, including possible shell casings.
The circumstances surrounding the investigation, including whether anyone was injured or whether a shooting occurred, were not immediately confirmed.
Police are expected to provide additional information as the investigation develops.
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About the Author
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Brandon Carr
Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.
Ilitch Companies recently announced the formation of a new gaming platform with plans to purchase a casino in Mississippi and expand its ownership of a casino in New Jersey.
The new venture, called Ilitch Gaming, will oversee the company’s gaming, hospitality and entertainment businesses, the company said in a release, adding that it will build on the success of MotorCity Casino Hotel. The operation of Ilitch Gaming is awaiting regulatory approval.
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Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies, described the move as a new chapter for the company’s gaming and hospitality business. He will also serve as chairperson of Ilitch Gaming.
“My mother Marian Ilitch’s vision for MotorCity Casino Hotel and our success in Detroit over nearly three decades is the inspiration for what comes next,” Ilitch said in a statement. “The formation of Ilitch Gaming marks a defining new chapter in the evolution of our gaming and hospitality business. We remain committed to creating memorable experiences for guests, supporting responsible gaming, and serving as a positive economic force in the communities where we operate.”
More: MotorCity Casino Hotel launches $65 million renovation
Along with the launch of Ilitch Gaming, Ilitch Companies announced plans to acquire Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, Mississippi, and purchase the remaining ownership stake in Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from Luxor Capital Group LP. Ilitch Companies has had 50% ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort since 2021.
Both deals are subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and each casino is expected to continue operating as usual until the transactions are completed, officials said.
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“We are incredibly proud of what our team has built over the past decade and grateful for the support we have received from our guests across the Gulf Coast,” LuAnn Pappas, chief executive officer of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, said in a statement. “We believe Ilitch Gaming shares our commitment to hospitality, service, and community, and we are confident Scarlet Pearl is positioned for continued success.”
