Sports briefly: Study shows playing tackle football before age 12 might be harmful

A new study suggests a strong correlation between the age at which some athletes begin playing tackle football and the onset of behavioral and cognitive problems later in life, findings that become significantly more pronounced for those who take up the sport before age 12.

Researchers concluded that for every year younger an athlete begins to play tackle football, he could experience symptoms associated with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy 2½ years earlier. Those who begin playing before age 12 could start experiencing symptoms more than 13 years earlier.

While the research did not find a "statistically significant" connection between the age of first exposure and the severity of CTE later in life, the study says "youth exposure to tackle football may reduce resiliency to late life neuropathology."

Former NFL player and general manager Matt Millen says he is being treated for a rare disease that has robbed his heart of most of its normal function.

The 60-year-old Millen said he has been diagnosed with amyloidosis, a life-threatening illness that may force him to seek a heart transplant. Millen said he has been receiving chemotherapy once a week to treat the condition that left his heart functioning at just 30 percent.

• Prosecutor Jim Dermertzis said that the district attorney's office will continue to prosecute a domestic violence case against 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster even if his ex-girlfriend, Elissa Ennis, does not cooperate with the investigation.

• The Eagles exercised the fifth-year option on receiver Nelson Agholor's contract. ... The Browns exercised the fifth-year option on defensive back Damarious Randall, acquired during the offseason from Green Bay. ... The Steelers released veteran safety J.J. Wilcox.

Horse racing: Monomoy Girl is the early 2-1 favorite for the Kentucky Oaks but must do so from far outside if she is win the marquee race for 3-year-old fillies.