Pac-12 to spend $10.5 million over three years to study athlete health

Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said Wednesday that the conference has committed $3.5 million annually over the next three years to study athlete health, with a 'special' emphasis on head trauma.

Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said Wednesday that the conference has committed $3.5 million annually over the next three years to study athlete health, with a 'special' emphasis on head trauma.

The announcement came during Scott's state of the conference address at Pac-12 media days.

Player safety in football has grown into a dominant storyline in recent years, with the NFL and NCAA both facing concussion litigation. 

President Barack Obama said in January 2013, “I'm a big football fan, but I have to tell you if I had a son, I'd have to think long and hard before I let him play football.”

More than 65 current and former college athletes have sued the NCAA over its alleged mishandling of concussions.

More: Who is Charlie Strong? An inside look at Texas' new coach

Earlier this month, the college body released a set of guidelines for concussion safety.

The guidelines include limiting contact at practices and establishing a medical line of authority independent of the head coach.  

Scott: Pac-12 has committed $3.5 million a year for the next 3 years to study athlete health. Special emphasis on head trauma.

— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) July 23, 2014

- Chris Johnson