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Obama Weighs In On The Controversial Call During Lions' Playoff Game

DETROIT (WWJ) - On this trip to Michigan, President Obama couldn't resist making a comment about Sunday's controversial Lions' game. Mr. Obama said when he met Ford CEO Bill Ford, Jr, he brought up the game.

"Even a (Chicago) Bears fan has to admit -- that, that was a little suspect," said Obama.

Obama says that Detroit has a great defense and "there's always next year ..."

"And, if there is one thing that you can take to the bank, when talking about Detroit - is that Detroit always comes back," said the President.

Sunday, many questioned a crucial call made – and then changed – in the playoff game between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys.

Midway through the fourth quarter, with the Lions ahead, 20-17, officials called Dallas linebacker Anthony Hitchens for pass interference. The infraction gave Detroit a first down, but without explanation and after an extended period of time, the officials picked the flag back up.

The Cowboys, who had trailed all game, went on to win, 24-20.

Pereira disputed the picking up of the flag on air during the game and did so again in a video posted to his Twitter page.

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Obama told workers at a Ford auto plant outside Detroit that "America is rooting for the Motor City."

During his speech Wednesday at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Obama lauded Detroit's resurgence through the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.

He says the city "still faces some long challenges," but is "coming back" and that the country wants "the Motor City strong."

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