STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Man Who Called Lions Fans 'Ignorant N*****s' For Sitting During National Anthem Banned From Ford Field

This happened after the disturbing image went viral.

The man who called two African-American Detroit Lions fans "ignorant n*****s" for sitting during the national anthem during Sunday's home game won't be coming back to Ford Field.

The Detroit News is reporting that the man who posted the racist Snapchat story has forfeited his season tickets, as the Lions have banned him from Ford Field, as confirmed by ESPN.

This happened after the man's racist Snapchat image went viral.

[Warning: The following image includes profanity].

The man behind the disturbing post has been identified as David Doptis, a business owner in Pontiac, Michigan, as reported by local Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ. Stacey Graham, one of the fans shown in the Snapchat post, told WXYZ that she sits during the national anthem because of the song's third verse about killing slaves.

Although the Lions wouldn't comment specifically about this incident, they told ESPN in a general statement that "providing our fans with a safe and enjoyable experience at all Ford Field events is of the utmost importance and an absolute priority for our organization," while adding that "a core component of our guest conduct policy is the expectation that all fans are respectful and considerate to each other regardless of their personal beliefs or differences." 

Lions coach Jim Caldwell told ESPN, "I think it was handled appropriately and I think those things happen sometimes."

As much as the racist Snapchat post enraged people who saw it, it also deeply disturbed Lions players, such as running back Ameer Abdullah, who tweeted his disappointment earlier this week.

The Lions will face the New York Giants on Monday Night Football before returning to Ford Field to host the Atlanta Falcons on September 24.

BET Sports News — Get the latest news and information about African-Americans in sports, including weekly recaps, celebrity news and photos of your favorite Black athletes.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.