A popular Detroit Lions free agent made headlines after attending a Detroit Pistons game with his girlfriend, a well-known rapper from Detroit.
When heading to a Detroit sports event, you never know which celebrities might pop up. Just last November, for no particular reason, pop sensation Iggy Azalea showed up at a Pistons game and even received an official 313 jersey.
Now, a Detroit Lions free agent has grabbed attention after being seen at a Pistons game with his rapper girlfriend. Could this mean he might re-sign with Detroit? Stranger things have definitely happened.
Fans were disappointed, to say the least, when Detroit let go of star defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith. Known as one of the league’s best defenders, the Lions parted ways to save $5.7 million in cap space. Still, with over $42 million available, it raised a few eyebrows.
When questioned about the decision at the NFL Owners Meetings, Lions GM Brad Holmes explained, “We couldn’t afford it. That’s the bottom line. I was honest with him, and he got it.”
He continued, “We just weren’t in a financial spot to keep him at that salary. He gave us solid play after the trade, and we’d have liked to keep him. But we’ve stayed in touch with his agent, and he knows the situation, so we’ll see what happens.”
It wasn’t the clearest answer, but considering the move wasn’t based on performance, analysts and fans have speculated that Smith’s time in Detroit may not be over yet.
It probably helps that Smith seems to have found romance in the Motor City. Gotta love Detroit women, right?
On Friday, April 11, Smith was seen courtside at the Pistons game with his girlfriend, Detroit rapper Kash Doll. Turns out Eminem and Big Sean aren’t the only talents repping Detroit.
The Pistons were up against the Bucks, and sadly, they lost that matchup. But they’re still playoff-bound, which is impressive for a team earning new respect in the NBA.
Kory Woods from MLive posted a photo on X of Smith and Kash Doll at the game, writing, “Ex-Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith and native Detroit rapper Kash Doll in attendance at LCA for tonight’s #Pistons game.” They definitely looked close.
Just last month, clips from The Shade Room showed Smith and Kash Doll spending time together in Ghana. One video showed them at an event, while another featured Smith with his hand on her shoulder at a club. Then came the Instagram story posts of each other, which quickly made the social media rounds — making their relationship pretty official online.
We’ll see if Smith ends up back with the Lions — and maybe ends up with a Detroit love story too.
