Reports that the New Orleans Saints would move the NFL team's training camp to facilities in Louisiana after two years at The Greenbrier were denied Wednesday by resort owner Jim Justice.
"Those reports are not true in any way shape or form," Justice said.
On Wednesday, Fox Sports reported that the Saints were considering a return to team headquarters in Louisiana this August after scheduling training camp at the White Sulphur Springs resort in 2014 and 2015. Those reports were later debunked by team officials, NBC Sports reported Wednesday afternoon.
For now, it seems the team will continue having preseason camp at The Greenbrier.
Justice said he doesn't know where Fox Sports got its information, if there was a leak or if someone was mistaken. A call for more information to the Saints communications office was not returned Wednesday.
Justice said Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis called him Wednesday morning to clear the air after the initial reports were published. He said the relationship between the Saints and The Greenbrier is in good standing and that both sides are open to continuing the now two-year partnership.
"We hope they're here for a long time," Justice said, adding that bringing a professional football team to West Virginia is good for the state.
Two years ago, The Greenbrier was outfitted with a $20 million practice facility for the Saints. It features three outdoor football fields and a 50,000 square-foot multipurpose training building. The Greenbrier last year also hosted training camp for the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans, which, along with the Saints, is owned by billionaire Tom Benson. The resort also has been a stop on the PGA Tour since 2010.
The Saints and The Greenbrier have a three-year agreement for the team to have training camp in White Sulphur Springs. One year remains on that deal.
Reach Samuel Speciale at sam.speciale@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-7939 or follow @samueljspeciale on Twitter.