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).
