Reigning Cy Young Cole struggling with elbow, will have MRI

New York Yankees ace and reigning Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole will have an MRI of his right elbow after experiencing issues in bouncing back following spring training starts. “He described it as his recovery, leading into his next start, has been more akin to what he feels in the season when he’s making 100 pitches,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Monday. “He usually doesn’t have the recovery issues he’s having. It’s been more of a challenge, more taxing.” The 33-year-old has been throwing fewer pitches this spring than other rotation members. Cole, who has made at least 30 starts in each of the last six full regular seasons, is entering the fifth season of a $324 million, nineyear contract that pays $36 million annually. He has the right to opt out after the season and become a free agent . . . Third baseman J.D. Davis was released by the Giants after beating the team last month in salary arbitration and will get just over $1.1 million in termination pay rather than a $6.9 million salary.

COLLEGES

Brawl court leaper arrested

The brother of LSU guard Flau'jae Johnson was arrested and charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct for his role in a fight after his sister was shoved to the court by South Carolina forward Kamilla Cardoso during Sunday’s Southeastern Conference women’s basketball championship. Trayron Milton, 24, jumped over the scorer's table to reach the court. Police say Milton briefly made contact with Cardoso before he was led away by police. Both charges are considered misdemeanors and carry a potential penalty of 30 days in jail, a fine, or both.

NAACP urges Florida boycott

Black student-athletes should reconsider attending public colleges and universities in Florida, the NAACP said in a letter to NCAA president Charlie Baker. The letter, addressed to current and prospective student-athletes, was in response to the University of Florida and other state schools that have eliminated their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. “This is not about politics,” the letter read. “It’s about the protection of our community, the progression of our culture, and most of all, it’s about your education and your future.” Last year, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill prohibiting the use of state funds for any DEI programs.

BASKETBALL

Bey latest loss for Hawks

Hawks forward Saddiq Bey will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee, another major blow to Atlanta, which already had been playing without two starters — top scorer Trae Young and Jalen Johnson. Bey left a 116-103 loss to New Orleans on Sunday night with what was initially described as a hyperextended left knee. An MRI found a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which will require season-ending surgery. For the season, his second with the Hawks, Bey appeared in 63 games with 51 starts. He averaged 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds. Atlanta is 29-35 and holding the final Eastern Conference play-in spot.

MISCELLANY North Carolina antes up

Mobile and online sports wagering across North Carolina took off Monday, as Boston-based DraftKings was among several licensed gambling operators that started taking bets nine months after legislation to authorize such activity statewide became law. It became the 30th state, along with the District of Columbia, to offer mobile sports betting, according to the American Gaming Association. Registered customers within the state’s borders can bet on professional, college, or Olympicstyle sports.