The Fate of Harry's Son

I bet you thought this was going to be about Ty Keogh. Suckers.

There's lots and lots of hubbub around acting NJ governor Richard Codey declaring the proposed Metrostars stadium in Harrison dead. I'm not sure what to make of it just yet, since there's been little word from anybody else. USSoccerUK is reporting that the Metrostars and the actual city of Harrison are saying it's still on track amidst a host of confusing comments, but I've heard otherwise. Granted, I've heard otherwise from the most pessimistic person on the planet, so I take that with a grain of salt.

It's important to try to parse out what Codey is really saying here. The financing is a big issue, and he's got designs on some sort of Meadowlands revamp. Coming from the state senate, I'm guessing Codey has a vested interest in the continued life of Giants Stadium and the surrounding "entertainment complex," which is in serious jeopardy with the Jets and Nets looking to leave and the Devils locked out. And at the state level, he's only got one card to play, and that's public financing.

I'd be interested to see what part of Jersey Codey represents in the Senate, for one. I'd also like to hear from Nick Saciewicz on this, or at least see his head on a stick, but everybody's in that same boat.

If what Codey is saying is true, there are a couple of courses of action. First, and most obviously, Anschutz Entertainment Group could opt to fully fund the stadium privately. Since Bridgeview decided to foot the entire bill for the Fire stadium, this may not be a financially prohibitive option. Second, they could start lobbying U.S. Senator and the likely next gov John Corzine like nobody's business. Codey isn't going to be around more than a year, and a delayed stadium project is better than no stadium project. Finally, you could try to spin this notion of a revamped Meadowlands to your advantage, but unless it includes a venue more appropriate to MLS (i.e., 20K-30K seats and no artificial turf), that's a tough sell.

MLS could threaten to move the team, but I'm not sure they've got enough leverage to make that mean much, unless the prospect of being reduced to only two pro teams in the Garden State (the Giants and the Devils, if and when the NHL returns) is going to hurt Codey's pride.

Overall, the NJ governorship -- and politicking in general -- has been quite possibly the biggest hindrance to this project. Christie Whitman was ambivalent, but was then picked to head the EPA. Acting governor Donnie DiFrancesco was for it, but his re-election hopes got dashed by reports of mob ties, I think. Being from his hometown, I have no comment on that, but Metro lost an ally. McGreevey wasn't necessarily on either side, but it seemed like things were getting done after the senate took their anti-Qwest stand on funding a few years back. Now there's a guy who seems outspoken against the project, but he's a lame duck of the highest order.

Your guess is as good as mine on how this ultimately comes out. I'm sure we'll hear something in 30 to 60 days.