Corporate Sponsor for Heisman Trophy

The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to college football’s top player, has a big-time sponsor for the first time.

American Suzuki signed a three-year, $1.5-million deal with the Downtown Athletic Club of New York--the presenter of the trophy--and became the chief sponsor of the award.

No corporate tag will appear before or after the words Heisman Trophy, said Rudy Riska, executive director of the Heisman Trophy.

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First-year Washington Coach Rick Neuheisel has signed a five-year contract for nearly $1 million a year. Neuheisel was hired away from Colorado Jan. 9 after former Washington coach Jim Lambright was fired following the Huskies’ 6-6 season. . . . Penn State tight end Garrett Watkins tore ligaments in his right knee during a scrimmage last week and will miss the season. . . . Running back D’Andre “Tiki” Hardeman, whose grade problems forced Texas A&M; to forfeit a victory last season, has rejoined the Aggies.