NO, NO, NEWT: JONES JOINS CBS, DESPITE COME-ONS FROM SPEAKER

          Former 49ers TE Brent Jones will join CBS Sports as a
     studio analyst on the "NFL Today" pregame, halftime and
     postgame show (CBS Sports).  In S.F., Susan Slusser reports
     that House Speaker Newt Gingrich "tried to pry" Jones away
     from his TV plans when Jones "expressed an interest in
     entering politics" after his retirement.  Jones: "I was
     getting a lot of calls from top Republicans and ... Gingrich
     called and said 'We need you to come back and spend a few
     days with us in Washington.'  It was very tempting, but I
     stuck to my guns."  Slusser reports that Jones signed a
     multiyear deal with CBS, and that the net "is still looking"
     for two more studio analysts (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/25). Jones
     retained The Marquee Group in NY to represent him in all
     broadcasting negotiations (THE DAILY).
          ELWAY JOINING JONES? In Denver, Todd Phipers reports
     that an industry source said John Elway "is in contact" with
     CBS regarding a position at the net, but CBS Sports
     President Sean McManus dismissed the report.  McManus: "We
     have not talked to John Elway, and everything I've heard is
     that he is going to play another year" (DENVER POST, 3/25).