The NCAA announced Monday that it plans to open a national science center to deal with health and safety issues involving college athletes, according to The Associated Press.

The announcement came as the NCAA has been under fire for not having a uniform concussion protocol for football and other sports. And, this weekend, President Barack Obama said he would have to think twice before letting a son of his play football. He pointed his concern mainly at college football, which has no advocacy groups for player safety.

The NCAA said the center will be run by Dr. Brian Hartline, a noted neuologist. He was hired as the NCAA’s first chief medical officer last fall.

“In an effort to identify solutions and opportunities to ensure student-athlete health and safety, the NCAA will continue to lead extensive outreach and collaboration with the medical, scientific and athletics communities,” the NCAA said. “This Institute will function as a national resource to provide safety, health and medical expertise and research for coaches, medical staff, and athletics administrators, including a national task force for collegiate football safety.”

– Bill Bradley, contributing editor