07/24 — "Ray-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ay-ain, I don't mind."

That's the snippet of Beatles lyric I was sampling on my way in from my Hofstra University dorm to the parking lot outside the Jets complex — employees were being relocated due to the usual flooding in the spots next to the locker room/dining room section of "the Weeb." And I really don't mind.

If you're a player or a fan heading out to watch the players, you might have a different opinion.

Rain has greeted the first day of Jets training camp this morning. Thunderstorms rolled across Long Island overnight, and right now, about 45 minutes before the Green & White's full squad begins stretching, it's raining steadily on the practice fields inside Hofstra's soccer stadium, the usual grass and turf fields the Jets work on during July and August.

What does this mean for today's two-a-days? Well, the weather report is for rain into the afternoon, but T-storms are said to be scattered. Eric Allen, my compatriot, just came into the I-cave (that's like a Batcave but for Internet crusaders).

"It sure looks like we'll be live outside," EA said. "They're getting going out there."

So at the moment, this morning's 8:45 a.m. practice and certainly the 5:45 p.m. workout are both on for the outdoors and open to the public.

But this is subject to change and fans should stay informed. You can check the Radar and you can check the New York Jets Fan Line, which was already updated at 7 a.m. and will be again as soon as we hear of developments. That number is 516-560-8288.

What has been washed out for the morning is Jets Fest and Jets Shop. Both will not open this morning. At the moment both will try to get the day going by opening at noon, but again that is subject to change.

Also, 1050 ESPN Radio has cancelled the Max Kellerman Show's morning visit to camp this morning. The afternoon Michael Kay Show also was scheduled for Hofstra this afternoon but Kay's appearance was also canceled.

As for the one remaining contractual matter still hanging, some Jets beat writers reported in this morning's papers that the team and the representatives for sixth pick of the draft Vernon Gholston talked through the night and the sides are "close to a deal." I can't provide any word on negotiations, but we will let you know if No. 56 takes the field at any time today.

Other than all this, the weather's fine.

Update, 9 a.m.: Practice is under way. There are some 20 hardy fans in rain gear and under umbrellas in the stands watching the Jets stretch and go through drills. It's raining lightly but steadily and the music is blaring.

No sign of Gholston yet but I haven't lost hope of seeing No. 56 out here sometime today.

Update II, 10:05: The rain has stopped but with the overcast the lights are on as the Jets' first full-squad practice is well under way. Report to come in early afternoon.

Update III, 10:40: Practice has just ended, with the time coming in at 1 hour, 54 minutes, 30 seconds. Players are not unhappy about Eric Mangini's sub-two-hour-practice plan.

The practice finished dry. If the skies hold up, the Jets Shop will open at noon and Jets Fest at 2 p.m. Eric Mangini's news conference will start at 11:30 a.m. The afternoon practice remains on target for a 5:45 p.m. start.