Quite true. Yet the prosperous part of Detroit’s population did not fall into a sinkhole but moved to the suburbs, continued to cheer for the Redwings and Lions, and maintained Detroit as a productive metropolitan area. The losers were those who remained in the city core and made the name “Detroit” a byword for urban decline due to race riots, endemic crime, and Black rule.
And yes, the productive people fled to a new life in the suburbs. As far as the city is concerned, since they don't pay taxes, own property, or have much to do with the city, they may as well have fallen into a sinkhole.
As for the Lions, they truly are a joke franchise. The only good thing is that they turn US Thanksgiving into a holiday in my old home town. I hate to call their fans losers, but...
The Red Wings have been floundering since the days of the "Wings of the Soviet". If Frau Whitmer has her way they probably won't even play in Michigan this winter.
The Tigers, however, are only half a game out of first and have half their future team at summer camp in Toledo.