DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment Signs Heisman Trophy Winner Troy Smith.

DSE Agents to Represent Smith in NFL Draft 

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio & TAMPA, Fla. -- DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment LLC Athlete Representation Division (DSE) announced on Fri., Jan. 12, that DSE sports agents, Ralph Cindrich and Brian Kopp, have signed 2006 Heisman Trophy Winner Troy Smith. Smith, an Ohio native who led the Ohio State University Buckeyes to a 25-3 record, is expected to be a first round NFL Draft pick in April.

"We are very pleased today to welcome Troy Smith into the DeBartolo Sports family. It is an honor to partner with such a poised young man and accomplished athlete. The future is extremely bright for Troy and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with him," says Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr., Chairman of DSE.

DSE will represent Smith during the Draft and during the course of his professional career. Smith brought home to OSU the school's seventh Heisman Trophy and joined a fraternity of the nation's most elite players. The last Heisman OSU saw was with Eddie George in 1995. Arguably college football's most commanding and dynamic leader, Smith is expected to have a bright pro-football future.

"Troy Smith embodies the true fabric of what a DeBartolo Sport's athlete represents...integrity, honesty and his unwavering desire to be a role model for the youth in America. Giving back to his family and community are at the core of what motivates and drives Troy to succeed. We are proud to have a Troy Smith on our team," says DeBartolo.

Smith's junior and senior years of college prove that he will be a formidable force in the NFL. In 2006 alone, he was named "Player of the Year" by the Sporting News, a first-team selection to the Walter Camp All-America team, a first-team All-America selection by the American Football Coaches Association, voted MVP by his fellow players, and boasts a 25-3 record as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback. In 2005, he led the Buckeyes to a 10-2 record, a share of the Big Ten championship and seven consecutive victories to the end of the season, was the Fiesta Bowl MVP where he threw a career high of 342 yards and a pair of touchdowns for another 66 yards and made 27 touchdowns (16 passing and 11 rushing). And, these are just a few of his accomplishments.

"The motivating force behind recruiting Troy is the DeBartolo name. DeBartolo is synonymous with winning. Adding a Heisman Trophy winner to the roster is the natural next move. We are proud to have Troy join the family," says Cindrich.

"Troy is a natural for our organization. His college success coupled with the DeBartolo history of sports excellence will prove to be an incredible combination," says Kopp.

"The opportunity to work with the DeBartolo Family is a great gift. We look forward to a wonderful future together," says Bob George, Smith's business manager.

Smith will join the ranks of several talented athletes represented by DSE.

"When it came down to which sports agency would be representing me, my family was a tremendous influence in helping me to shape my decision. My mother told me that to be a success, partners have to think the same way and their hearts have to beat with the same pulse. There is no doubt in my mind that DSE, Mr. DeBartolo, Ralph Cindrich and Brian Kopp have this in common with me. I'm proud to become a member of the DeBartolo Sports family," says Smith.

Other DSE athletes recently signed include:

* David Ball, Wide Receiver, The University of New Hampshire 

* Alvin Banks, Tailback, James Madison University 

* Steve Buches, Tight End, The University of Pittsburgh

* Luke Getsy, Quarterback, The University of Akron 

* Jason Hill, Wide Receiver, Washington State University 

* James Marten, Offensive Guard, Boston College University

* Tyler Palko, Quarterback, The University of Pittsburgh

* Dan Santucci, Offensive Lineman, The University of Notre Dame

* John Tally, Cornerback, Duke University

About DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment: An integral component of the DeBartolo Sports & Entertainment portfolio is the Athlete Representation Division. This dynamic affiliate offers personal management services for today's finest professional athletes. When you are represented by one of DSE's certified sports agents you become a part of the DeBartolo business family. Through many of the same values and beliefs that made Eddie DeBartolo Jr. a Super Bowl and Stanley Cup Championship owner, a DSE athlete will be represented with the highest level of integrity and respect. Personal management services for our athletes include: professional contract negotiations, personal wealth management and planning, extensive public and media relations as well as family estate and retirement planning. Financial security is the ultimate benefit that we will provide for a DSE athlete and their families.

For more information on the DeBartolo portfolio of companies please visit www.thedebartologroup.com or call the Tampa corporate headquarters at 813.908.8400.