Three things we learned about the Lions this week:

1. Former Lion Alex Karras is one of almost 1,200 former NFL players to sue the NFL because of concussion damage. It was revealed this week Karras has been suffering from dementia for seven years. Not too many of us young folks (hold the comments please) remember seeing Karras play. He was a four-time Pro Bowler. He was also suspended for a season for gambling. I remember him most as Mongo in “Blazing Saddles” where he punched a horse. A classic. Here’s hoping the best for Karras.

2. After what seems like a long winter, the players start their offseason workouts at the Lions practice facility next week. Could see some stories unfold when the veterans get a chance to talk with the youngsters in particular Mikel Leshoure, Nick Fairley and Johnny Culbreath.

3. That the remote chance that the Lions would draft cornerback Janoris Jenkins got more remote this week when it was revealed that he had not learned his lesson after getting kicked off the Florida team because of marijuana transgressions. It came to light this week that he continued to smoke marijuana after he transferred to North Alabama. There’s speculation he could drop out of the first round due to character issues.

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