Former LSU Player Greg Brooks Jr. Sues School Over Medical Negligence
Former LSU football player Greg Brooks Jr. has filed a lawsuit against Louisiana State University (LSU) and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, alleging medical negligence that left him permanently disabled. The lawsuit has sparked controversy, with Brooks Jr. and his family publicly criticizing LSU’s handling of his medical condition, while LSU head coach Brian Kelly has denied the accusations.
The Timeline of Events
Greg Brooks Jr. was named a team captain for LSU ahead of the 2023 season. However, in August 2023, he began experiencing severe symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Despite these alarming signs, LSU’s medical staff allegedly misdiagnosed him with vertigo and allowed him to continue practicing. It was only 39 days later that he was sent to a neurologist, who discovered that Brooks had a brain tumor.
On September 20, 2023, Brooks underwent emergency surgery to remove the tumor. The lawsuit claims that the surgeon performing the operation was “not qualified” and that the procedure resulted in multiple strokes, leaving Brooks with “severe and permanent injuries.” The family has accused LSU and the medical center of failing to provide proper care, alleging that Brooks’ neurological condition worsened due to negligence during the surgery.
The Lawsuit and Allegations Against LSU
In October 2024, Brooks Jr. filed a lawsuit against LSU and the hospital, alleging that their actions caused his permanent disability. The suit also claims that LSU coaches, including head coach Brian Kelly, threatened to take away his starting position if he did not continue playing, despite his worsening condition.
Brooks’ father, Greg Brooks Sr., has been vocal about LSU’s alleged lack of communication and support. He criticized Kelly and the coaching staff, saying that they had not contacted his son since October 2023. In an interview, he asked Kelly directly, “Where were you?” and accused LSU of not prioritizing his son’s health.
Brian Kelly and LSU’s Response
LSU head coach Brian Kelly has denied the allegations, calling them “factually incorrect.” He stated that he and his staff supported Brooks Jr. throughout his ordeal and that LSU personnel visited Brooks “virtually every single day.” Kelly also expressed personal hurt over the accusations, stating, “You can question me as a football coach, but not my care for my players”.
LSU released a statement saying they could not comment on ongoing litigation but affirmed their commitment to providing top medical care to student-athletes. The university also emphasized that Brooks Jr. remains in their thoughts as he continues rehabilitation.
Greg Brooks Jr.’s Condition Today
Following surgery, Brooks Jr. had to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Although he is now cancer-free, he has been left with severe neurological impairments. He struggles with basic motor functions, has difficulty speaking, and requires daily therapy to relearn how to eat, write, and communicate. His family argues that these challenges are the direct result of medical errors during his surgery.
The case has brought national attention to how universities handle athletes’ health issues. With a medical malpractice hearing scheduled for February 2025, the controversy surrounding Brooks Jr.’s condition is far from overseas
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This ongoing lawsuit highlights serious concerns about athlete medical care in college sports, and it remains to be seen how the
legal proceedings will unfold.
