Detroit Lions DT Isaiah Buggs explains why he was benched by Dan Campbell
In a surprise twist, Detroit Lions starting defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs has revealed what he believes is the root of his being benched for the Lionsโ Week 1 match vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Contrary to most assumptions, it was Buggsโ prioritization of family over the game that he believes played a crucial role in his benching.

What Did Isaiah Buggs Say?
Buggs, who notably missed the majority of the Lionsโ voluntary workouts this off-season due to the birth of his child, was straightforward in acknowledging his family-first approach.
โI think so,โ Buggs told the Free Press on Monday. โBut I had a baby so I couldnโt be here and my family comes first. So anything my family needs, thatโs what itโs going to be. And I canโt help that if they canโt accept that, but I definitely think me not being around in the spring played a part in it. Thatโs what it is.โ
Confirming rumors, Buggs stated that he would be inactive for the upcoming season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
โAs of right now, they told me that I was not going to play so thatโs what we got and Iโm going to be straightforward with it cause they were straightforward with me with that,โ he told a group of reporters. โAs of right now, I will not be playing.โ
The Cryptic Social Media Post
This revelation was shadowed by Buggsโ cryptic post on social media, which, when prodded about, he remained vague but emphasized that relationships change.
โIโm Good But Just Know Situations Changeย #96BALLFOREVERย Yโall Gone See,โ he wrote.
When he was asked about his cryptic post, Buggs said there was โnothing to address.โ
โLike I say, things change, relationships change,โ he said.
Asked if his relationship with the Lions had changed, Buggs downplayed his post.
โIโm not going to technically say that,โ he said. โIโm just saying in life period. Itโs nothing dealing with football, itโs nothing dealing with here, Iโm just saying, so I donโt want anybody to take that context and run with it. But at the same time, relationships do change. Thatโs all Iโm going to say. Thereโs nothing else to say about it.โ

TL;DR (too long didnโt read)
- Isaiah Buggs was demoted from the starting lineup, likely due to prioritizing family during off-season voluntary workouts.
- Despite a solid previous season and a two-year contract extension, Buggs will be inactive in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.
- A mysterious social media post by Buggs hinted at changing relationships, though he remains dedicated to the Lions and undeterred by challenges.
Bottom Line: Two Sides to a Story
We have now heard why Buggs believes he is being benched for the Lionsโ season-opener against the Chiefs, but it is important to remember that there are always two sides to a story. It is certainly going to be interesting to see what Dan Campbell says about why Buggs is being benched. With that being said, chances are that we will never really know the full story.