Tony Sparano's First Season Means No Jets On HBO's 'Hard Knocks'
NEW YORK (WFAN) – Jets fans were split on the "Hard Knocks" debate this offseason.
Well, those in the "shouldn't they" camp are in luck. Gang Green won't be featured on the HBO reality series this summer.
The Jets were approached by the network a few weeks ago and decided not to participate, citing the arrival of Tony Sparano as team's new offensive coordinator, a source told WFAN's Peter Schwartz.
New York used the same rationale in 2009, when they turned HBO down because it was Rex Ryan's first year at the helm, Schwartz reported.
The franchise, which was front and center in the 2010 season of "Hard Knocks," would be open to a sequel in the future, the source said.
For those who were looking forward to the entertainment factor, no worries. Darrelle Revis, Tim Tebow, Santonio Holmes and Ryan will surely provide plenty of soundbites -- not to mention headlines -- from training camp at SUNY Cortland.
The Jets, much like their fans, were reportedly divided on the issue.
On the pro-reality series side: owner Woody Johnson, who wanted his team back on the show and even "communicated that to the network," FOXSports.com reported last month. Then there was Ryan, the undisputed foul-mouthed star of the franchise's "Hard Knocks" debut, who FOXSports.com reported didn't want "any more of a circus type atmosphere."
Will you still watch "Hard Knocks" without Rex & Co.? Sound off in the comments below…
