Greg Brooks slaps LSU coaches with a lawsuit for misdiagnosing his career-ending injury

Former LSU Tigers defensive back Greg Brooks Jr., who played for the team from 2022-2023, is suing the athletic program and its medical affiliations for negligence, as reported by Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports.

Brooks was discovered to have a brain tumor last fall and had surgery in September 2023. His lawsuit outlines several discussions, highlighted by a mishandling of his diagnosis by the LSU coaching staff.

Details of the report

According to Dellenger, Brooks claims in his legal filing that the LSU coaching staff forced him to participate in two football practice sessions and threatened to take away his starting spot despite displaying symptoms.

He also is making claims against surgeon Brandon Gaynor of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center:

“Brooks alleges that he was left with ‘catastrophic neurological injuries’ and is ‘permanently disabled’ from the brain surgery performed by Brandon Gaynor,” Dellenger wrote. "During the surgery, Brooks says he suffered 'multiple strokes' from 'acts of malpractice.' Those alleged acts are being addressed in a medical review of malpractice claims the family has filed."

The filing also includes a specific list of current and former members of the LSU coaching staff that Brooks believes hold partial responsibility. It includes current head coach Brian Kelly, former defensive coordinator Matt House, former safeties coach Kerry Crooks and current head athletic trainer Owen Stanley.

LSU released a statement, including:

"While LSU cannot comment on ongoing litigation, Greg Brooks remains in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to work through the rehabilitation process. Since the beginning of our agreement with our Championship Health Partner, Our Lady of the Lake, they have provided exceptional medical care for our student-athletes in all of our sports.”

Brooks claims he is not able to walk, or move his right hand, and has trouble with verbal communication.

Brooks, 23, was a team captain in his two years at LSU with six career inceptions. He spent his last three active years with the Arkansas Razorbacks from 2019-2021.

The hearing is scheduled to take place on Feb. 10 before Judge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts.