Former LSU defensive back Greg Brooks Jr. and his family have come forward with serious allegations against LSU, claiming the program failed to properly handle his medical condition. In an interview on Good Morning America, Brooks Jr. and his father, Greg Brooks Sr., shared their frustrations and details of their ongoing lawsuit against the university.
A major point of contention has been the lack of communication from LSU’s coaching staff, including head coach Brian Kelly. According to Brooks Sr., they have not heard from anyone at LSU since October 2023, despite his son’s life-threatening condition.
“My son almost lost his life, Coach. Where were you?” Brooks Sr. said. “Forget about football. Pick up the phone and say you love the kid, man.”
Medical Crisis and Lawsuit Against LSU
In September 2023, Brooks Jr. underwent emergency brain surgery to remove a tumor caused by medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer. A year later, in October 2024, he filed a lawsuit against LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center, alleging that their mishandling of his condition led to multiple strokes, leaving him permanently disabled.
As a result, Brooks Jr. now requires daily occupational therapy to relearn basic skills such as speaking, writing, and eating.
“Honestly, I thought it was fake,” Brooks Jr. said. “Like, I was in disbelief… Like a nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from.”
His father, Brooks Sr., expressed deep disappointment in how the school handled the situation.
“The only call I received was, ‘I need you to get here. Your son is having emergency surgery tomorrow morning,’” he said. “He’s at LSU, one of the best colleges in the United States. Would I have ever thought that his best interests wouldn’t be at heart? No.”
Both LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center responded with statements following the lawsuit’s filing, and Coach Brian Kelly also addressed the matter at the time.
Brooks Jr.’s Career and Message to Athletes
During his college career, Brooks Jr. played in 50 games, making 45 starts across three seasons at Arkansas and two at LSU. He recorded 186 tackles, 19 pass deflections, six interceptions (including a pick-six), one sack, and a forced fumble.
Now, his focus has shifted to raising awareness for other athletes who may be dealing with similar health concerns. He urges players to speak up if they experience any medical issues and to seek second opinions if they feel their concerns are not being addressed.
“I just want athletes in the same spot I was to know—if something is hurting, tell them,” Brooks Jr. said. “And if they don’t do anything about it, go get your second opinion. If I had known that, I wouldn’t be the way I am right now.”
Despite the challenges he now faces, Brooks Jr. remains determined to push forward.
“Whatever card I’m dealt, that’s the card I’m going to play. And I’m going to make sure I win.”
