Sports in brief

MEDIACBS, TNT merging staffs for NCAA Tournament

Marv Albert, Charles Barkley and other stars of TNT's NBA coverage will be part of the joint CBS-Turner coverage of the NCAA Tournament this spring, the top sports executives from both companies said Tuesday.

Speaking at a Sports Business Journal conference in Manhattan, Turner's David Levy and CBS' Sean McManus said their announcing staffs would be fully integrated, beginning with Jim Nantz calling the first game on truTV the Tuesday after Selection Sunday. Albert will call games and Barkley will serve as a studio analyst, likely including being on site for the Final Four. NFLNo McNabb 'guarantee'

Donovan McNabb's agent, Fletcher Smith, said that although the quarterback's new contract is worded so it has "$40 million in guarantees," the Redskins have an option to cut McNabb after this season with no further money due. McNabb has been given $3.5 million for this year, but the rest of the five-year, $78-million package would be canceled if the team cuts ties.

Steelers cut kicker Reed

The Steelers cut kicker Jeff Reed and signed Shaun Suisham, a former Redskin and Cowboy.

COLLEGE HOOPS

Jenkins player to watch

Hofstra senior guard Charles Jenkins was one of 50 players named to the preseason Naismith Award watch list, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced . . . Tim Johnson had 19 points and Chris Mauldin 16 for Nassau CC (2-0 Region XV) in a 77-63 men's win over Queensborough CC.

SJU women win

Shenneika Smith had 18 points for No. 20 St. John's (2-1) in a 77-51 win over Manhattan. - AP