Quotes before JJ's decision

About how JJ was undecided as of last night, Leigh Steinberg said:
"It's a difficult time, even while I would say we had an absolutely first-class visit at SMU." (DMN)

DMN Note: "It had seemed a foregone conclusion that Jones would accept SMU's five-year offer of between $1.7 million and $2 million a year, according to two sources, after reports surfaced Saturday that he had tendered a resignation letter before flying to Dallas. But on Sunday, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle called to intervene. David McClain, the president of the University of Hawaii system, called with a third, "amplified" offer, Steinberg said."

DMN Note: "The visit included lunch at the home of booster Gerald Ford, the namesake of SMU's football stadium. Carl Sewell, the chairman of SMU's board of trustees, also attended."

Steinberg said that JJ had a good meeting with SMU's search committee, saying it:
"was a very positive experience. They gave a favorable recommendation." (DMN)

DMN Note: "But as of late Sunday night Jones, 54, was still in Dallas and had not made a decision."

Praising the recruiting job SMU did for JJ, Steinberg said:
"It was an outstanding day at SMU." (DMN)