NEW YORK - City and state officials announced a deal Thursday for a $1.4-billion stadium on Manhattan's West Side that would be home to the Jets and anchor New York's bid for the 2012 Olympics.
"We will have a home to bring the Jets back from New Jersey, and pro football back to New York City," Gov. George Pataki said in making the proposal official.
The Jets, who play at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, have agreed to spend $800-million on the stadium, but the city and state would have to kick in $600-million for a deck over the existing rail yards, where the stadium is to be built, and a retractable roof that will allow the facility to be used for concerts and trade shows.
If New York gets the 2012 Olympics, the stadium would be the site of opening and closing ceremonies, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.
Despite strong support from Bloomberg and Pataki, the plan faces major hurdles, including an environmental review, zoning approvals and probably lawsuits by opponents.
"It's not a plan for our neighborhood, it's a plan for the Jets," said City Council member Christine Quinn, who represents the area. "We will fight until we defeat this ill-conceived plan for a stadium on the West Side."
The proposed stadium is part of the city's ambitious redevelopment plan for the far West Side, which also includes extending a subway line westward from Times Square.
MARION JOINS DETROIT: Three-time Pro Bowl safety Brock Marion signed a four-year contract with the Lions.
The Dolphins released the 11-year veteran this month to free salary-cap space after he had 81 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles last season.
Marion, who had been pursued by the Bucs, had 20 interceptions in six seasons with the Dolphins.
"Obviously, he's still playing at a high level," Lions president and general manager Matt Millen said. "Generally, you don't want to take on a contract with an older player, but Brock still moves around and looks like he's 25."
Marion turns 34 this summer but has been healthy most of his career. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder has missed one start since 1996 and has started 138 games of the 166 he has played.
BEARS: Former Chargers guard Michael Keathley signed a one-year contract.
BENGALS: Free-agent strong safety Rogers Beckett, who had been pursued by the Bucs, signed a three-year deal.
BRONCOS: Running back Garrison Hearst signed with Denver, hoping to bolster its backfield after trading Clinton Portis to Washington. The 11-year veteran became a free agent after San Francisco released him last month. Hearst started 12 games last season, rushing for 768 yards and three touchdowns and adding 211 yards and a score on 25 catches.
FALCONS: Free-agent tight end Hunter Goodwin signed, and Clancy Barone was named assistant offensive line coach.
RAIDERS: Former Pro Bowl defensive lineman Sean Jones was hired for a position in the pro personnel department.
SAINTS: Former Jaguars guard Jamar Nesbit signed a three-year contract.
