LSU head football coach Brian Kelly has publicly defended himself following accusations from the family of Greg Brooks Jr., a former Tigers safety who suffered a severe medical emergency in 2023.
Brooks Jr., once a rising NFL prospect, is now relearning basic functions like walking, speaking, and eating after undergoing emergency brain surgery last September.
His father, Greg Brooks Sr., has been outspoken about LSU’s handling of his son’s condition, particularly calling out Kelly for his lack of communication.
In September 2023, Brooks Jr. began experiencing dizziness and vomiting during practice. According to his family, LSU’s medical staff initially diagnosed him with vertigo.
However, his symptoms persisted. Over a month later, doctors discovered a brain tumor, which required immediate surgery.
During the procedure, Brooks Jr. suffered multiple strokes, leaving him with long-term impairments.
“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,” Greg Sr. said in an interview with Good Morning America.
The Brooks family has since filed a lawsuit against LSU, alleging negligence in the handling of Greg Jr.’s condition.
The suit claims that despite the player reporting his symptoms, LSU staff urged him to continue playing, even threatening to revoke his starting position.
“Greg will likely need care for the rest of his life for the injuries he sustained as a result of his providers’ malpractice,” the lawsuit says. “Obviously, Greg will also never be able to play football again, and he will likely never be able to work and/or care for himself without the assistance of others.”
Brooks Sr. has also expressed anger over what he describes as LSU’s lack of communication.
“My son almost lost his life, Coach. Where were you? Forget about football. Pick up the phone and say you love the kid, man,” Greg Sr. said.
According to Brooks Sr., he has not heard from Kelly since October 2023, when his son’s diagnosis was made public.
The lawsuit also names Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, where the surgery took place, as a defendant. The Brooks family claims the medical team was not qualified to perform the procedure, leading to Greg Jr.’s strokes.
“Due to patient privacy laws and pending litigation, we can’t comment on specific individuals or situations,” the hospital said in a statement. “The neurosurgical team at Our Lady of the Lake is among the most experienced in Louisiana and they give our patients the best opportunity for a positive outcome in any circumstance.”
LSU has also maintained a neutral stance.
“While LSU cannot comment on ongoing litigation, Greg Brooks remains in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to work through the rehabilitation process,” the university stated last October.
After months of silence, Kelly finally addressed the controversy, firmly denying claims that he neglected Brooks Jr.
“It was important for me to set the record clear as to my care and my love for Greg Jr. during this very difficult time,” Kelly said.
“Look, you can question me as a football coach. You can question me in terms of the things that we do on the field. But off the field as a parent, as a husband, as somebody that is actively involved with every community that I’ve been involved with, this is where the line is drawn.”
Kelly insisted that he was present for Brooks Jr. after his surgery.
“It is factually incorrect to state that I was not there by Greg’s side through this ordeal,” he said. “I was there on multiple occasions. We had somebody from my staff that was there virtually every single day (in 2023). We love Greg.”
Kelly reiterated his love and admiration for Brooks Jr.
“We love him (Greg Brooks Jr.) for the person that he is, for the competitor that he is, and the battler that he is,” he said. “And I only wish him continued progress as he goes through an incredibly difficult time.”
Kelly also expressed frustration over how the situation unfolded publicly.
“It is unfortunate that we had to lead off in the manner that I did,” he said. “But I thought again it was absolutely crucial to address. When my integrity and character was being attacked, I need to respond.
“Again, if it was football related, if it was about play calling, or selection of recruits, that’s open for anyone. But when it comes to the care and the love for one of my former players, I needed to set the record straight.”
Brooks Jr. transferred to LSU in 2022 after three seasons at Arkansas, quickly becoming a key player for the Tigers.
In 2022, he recorded a career-high 66 tackles over 14 games. His 2023 season was cut short after just two games.
Now, as he undergoes rehabilitation, his future remains uncertain. The Brooks family’s lawsuit continues to unfold, raising questions about LSU’s medical protocols and the university’s treatment of injured players.
For now, Brooks Jr. remains focused on recovery, while his father continues seeking answers.
As far as Kelly, he’s made his feelings on the matter perfectly clear. Only time will tell what else comes from this ugly situation.
What are your thoughts on this unfortunate story???
