Source: No 'Hard Knocks' for Jets

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If Rex Ryan demands a "(bleeping) snack" this summer, the entire nation won't see it.

The New York Jets won't be making a return appearance on HBO's summer series "Hard Knocks," a league source confirmed Friday.

The Jets were approached a few weeks ago about doing it, after the Atlanta Falcons rejected the offer, but they decided not to participate, the source said.

The Jets drew huge ratings as the featured team in 2010, with Ryan's personality and salty talk stealing the show. But the Jets turned it down for the same reason they did in 2009, Ryan's first season.

This time, the new coach on the team is offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, and according to the source, they want to minimize distractions as he installs his offense in training camp.

The "Hard Knocks" speculation intensified several weeks ago, when owner Woody Johnson indicated they'd be willing to consider a formal offer. The Jets seemed like a logical choice, especially after the trade for Tim Tebow.

The buzz faded when the Falcons were offered the show, but their decision to pass put the Jets back in contention.

Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum had publicly expressed reservations about it, creating the perception that they were at odds with Johnson.

Johnson, always looking to generate publicity and connect with the fans, called the 2010 appearance a "tremendous" success.

The team is open to future participation, the source said.

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Rich Cimini

ESPNNewYork.com

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Rich Cimini, longtime Jets beat writer for the New York Daily News and a Syracuse graduate, covers Gang Green for ESPNNewYork.com.
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