Former LSU Tigers football player Greg Brooks Jr. is sharing advice for young athletes after facing a life-altering brain surgery and tumor diagnosis. In an interview on “Good Morning America,” Brooks Jr. urged athletes to speak up if they experience any pain or discomfort and to seek a second opinion if needed. He revealed that he wished he had done so sooner to avoid his current situation. Brooks Jr., who was a team captain at LSU in 2023, started experiencing symptoms like nausea and headaches during practice and was later diagnosed with a brain tumor, leading to surgery. He has filed a lawsuit alleging negligence by LSU and a medical center in Baton Rouge. Despite facing challenges post-surgery, including having to relearn basic functions, Brooks Jr. has been declared cancer-free and continues to undergo therapies for his recovery.
Amid his treatment with radiation and chemotherapy following surgery, Brooks Jr. faced the aftermath of his injury. Throughout his cancer journey and post-surgical recovery, Brooks Sr. expressed disappointment that the LSU coaching staff had not reached out to the family since October 2023, shortly after the diagnosis. Specifically calling out LSU’s head football coach, Brian Kelly, Brooks Sr. questioned the lack of communication during his son’s life-threatening ordeal, emphasizing the importance of a simple gesture of care beyond football concerns.
In response to Brooks Jr.’s lawsuit filed in August, LSU refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings but assured that Brooks remained in their thoughts and prayers. The university also highlighted the exceptional medical care provided to student-athletes through their partnership with Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.
While unable to discuss the specifics of the litigation, Our Lady of the Lake affirmed its commitment to patient care and the expertise of its neurological team in guiding patients toward positive outcomes. The hospital expressed wishes for Greg’s continued healing and emphasized its dedication to providing high-quality healthcare to those under its care.
Looking towards the future, Brooks Sr. hoped for his son to lead a fulfilling life, regardless of the path he chooses. Brooks Jr. expressed his desire for a sense of normalcy moving forward and vowed to face his challenges head-on with determination to succeed.
In the face of adversity, Greg Brooks Jr. shared his story of recovery and legal action against LSU, underscoring his resilience and unwavering determination to overcome obstacles.
