Rumors of Joe Montana moving from the sideline to the press
box or studio continue on the day after his retirement ceremony.
In Atlanta, Prentis Rogers reports that of the three broadcast
networks, NBC "has shown the most interest in Montana," with
rumors of a $750,000 offer which the network has denied. Rogers
notes that TNT has an opening due to the departure of Lawrence
Taylor. However, Turner Sports Exec Producer Mike Pearl "sounded
reluctant" to put the studio role "in the hands of a rookie."
Pearl also said TNT's partial coverage could be a factor: "I'm
not sure how appealing a half-season will be to him." ESPN
spokesperson Dave Nagle, on the spot vacated by Phil Simms: "If
Joe wants to talk, we'll talk" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 4/19).
Montana says he is not interested in becoming an analyst, but "is
looking into a television job." Montana: "They say 'never say
never,' but I don't expect that [taking an analyst job] to take
place." The SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS reports Montana could sign
with NBC "as early as next week, probably in a part-time regular
season 'NFL Live' role like Joe Gibbs'" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS,
4/19). Al Michaels: "Television can be very, very frustrating.
There's no scoreboard at the end of the game. This is not going
to satisfy Joe Montana -- trust me" ("Up Close," ESPN, 4/18).
Appearing with Lynn Swann on "Good Morning America," Montana
called TV a possibility as well as working with the NFL, but said
his only immediate plans are to become part of an IndyCar team,
with details coming next week (ABC, 4/19).
