Basketball star LeBron James has followed President Barack Obama in saying he will not allow his children to play American football, in another major blow to the sport’s image.

Speaking to ESPN, the Cleveland Cavaliers star said: “Only basketball, baseball and soccer are allowed in my house.”

Asked if the decision, regarding his sons LeBron Jr and Bryce Maximus, was based on concerns over health and safety, James said: “Yes.”

Obama voiced concerns about football in a January 2013 interview with the New Republic, saying: “I have to tell you if I had a son, I’d have to think long and hard before I let him play football.”

Like James, Obama, the father of daughters Malia and Sasha, remains a fan of football. He said: “I think that those of us who love the sport are going to have to wrestle with the fact that it will probably change gradually to try to reduce some of the violence.”

The NFL faces continuing controversy over injuries, particularly to the head, suffered by players. A $765m settlement with former league players is in train, though some high-profile players and families have opted out in order to pursue their own cases. Three recent deaths in high school football also caused national concern.

James was an all-state wide receiver at high school in Akron, Ohio, and has called football his first love. Speaking to ESPN, he said Bryce Maximus, seven, plays soccer and other sports while LeBron Jr, 10, was focusing on basketball.