If the Jets are going to stay in Jersey, they'll probably make a deal, soon. But the story below gives us no indication either way.

The Jets got what they wanted, a reduction in their current rent, without having to commit to the Meadowlands past 2008, which allows them to continue to pursue their quest for a stadium, either in New York or in the Meadowlands as a full partner with the Giants. The Jets vision of the new stadium appears to be at odds with the Giants, but perhaps they can work it out.

If they are to come back to New York, don't expect much in the way of news until after the New York city-wide elections this November.

They are straddling the Hudson, idly tapping their toes on either shore.

Associated Press

Jets will drop lawsuit against agency

 

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Jets will pay less rent to use Giants Stadium, under a deal announced Thursday with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

In return, the Jets will drop a lawsuit against the authority, which owns the stadium where the team plays its home games.

The Jets sued in 2003, complaining that the New York Giants had been given a reduction and that the Jets should have one also. The Giants got a rent reduction in 1999, from 15 percent of ticket sales to 10 percent, and agreed to extend their lease through 2026.

Leases for both teams require the authority to make such offers. The sports authority said it was willing to cut the lease payment for the Jets if they agreed to a longer lease. The Jets said the two items should be separate.

Under their settlement, the rent payment will be 10 percent of ticket sales, said authority spokesman Bernard T. Spigner and Jets spokeswoman Marissa Shorenstein. The lease will continue to run through 2008.

The Giants plan to build a new stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex that would open for the 2009 season.

The Jets had hoped to occupy a new stadium in Manhattan, but suffered a major setback in June when New York state leaders refused to approve $300 million for the $2.2 billion structure, which was also envisioned as the stadium for the 2012 Olympics. The games were later awarded to London.