The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly declined to be on HBO's reality series Hard Knocks, which peers in on one NFL team's training camp each summer, and inevitably stirs up drama and storylines off-the-field. The Falcons were targeted as the featured team for the 2012 edition, after HBO's informal inquiries with the New York Jets did not materialize into an official offer. The Falcons apparently discussed the opportunity to be on the show in each branch and at every level of the organization, but decided against it, citing the off-the-field attention, according to a report from ESPN's Pat Yasinskas.
With the Falcons passing, HBO could zero in on the Jacksonville Jaguars, or initiate a second round of talks with the Jets again, according to the report. Jets' owner Woody Johnson is keen on the idea, stating that the show adds "tremendous value" from the widespread exposure. His coach, Rex Ryan, is lukewarm on being featured again in the series. The Jaguars are continually looking to attract additional publicity and attention in the Jacksonville area, and their new owner Shad Khan may be receptive to hosting HBO at the Jags' training camp this summer.
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