Malfunctioning microphones create more embarrassment for Lions, coming off 0-16 season

Lions have embarrassing start after 0-16 season

DETROIT — The Detroit Lions followed the NFL’s first 0-16 season with more embarrassment.

Their national anthem singer stood at midfield with a malfunctioning microphone for about 30 awkward seconds Saturday, then was handed one that worked only intermittently.

The sparse crowd at Ford Field, though, helped out by singing along during the odd scene.

Detroit coach Jim Schwartz said the national anthem obviously wasn’t performed as planned, but it led to a memorable moment for him.

“I got chills on the sideline when I heard the crowd start singing, and the guys on the sideline started singing,” Schwartz said unsolicited after Detroit beat the Atlanta Falcons 27-26 in a preseason game. “It was something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”