Greg Brooks Jr., former LSU football team captain and safety, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in September 2023 after experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and vomiting for 39 days. Initially, his symptoms were misdiagnosed as vertigo by LSU's athletic staff, and he was cleared to practice despite ongoing issues
. The tumor was discovered only after a neurologist ordered an MRI following persistent symptoms. Brooks underwent emergency brain surgery at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. However, the surgery went disastrously wrong, as the surgeon was allegedly unqualified for the procedure. During the operation, Brooks suffered multiple strokes, which left him permanently disabled-unable to walk, speak, eat, or write without relearning these skills
. Brooks Jr. and his family filed a lawsuit in August 2024 against LSU and the hospital, alleging negligence and medical malpractice for the delayed diagnosis and botched surgery. The lawsuit claims LSU failed to properly address his symptoms and delayed referral to a neurologist, contributing to the severity of his condition
. Despite these setbacks, Brooks Jr. has been undergoing rehabilitation and has expressed a desire to inspire young athletes to advocate for their health and seek second opinions if symptoms are ignored. Doctors have since told him he is cancer-free after chemotherapy and radiation treatments. His father has publicly criticized LSU's handling of the situation and the lack of support from coaches, although LSU coach Brian Kelly has denied abandoning Brooks Jr. and stated he supported him throughout his recovery
. In summary, Greg Brooks Jr.'s promising football career ended abruptly due to a late diagnosis of a brain tumor and complications from emergency surgery that caused permanent neurological damage, leading to ongoing rehabilitation and legal action against LSU and the medical center
