"It doesn’t change the way we feel about Greg Brooks": Brian Kelly talks about former LSU star suing coaches

LSU coach Brian Kelly addressed Greg Brooks Jr.’s lawsuit on Monday. A Yahoo Sports report on Friday disclosed that the former Tigers defensive back and team captain filed a complaint against the university and its affiliated medical center, accusing them of negligence regarding his health.

Brooks' football career was cut short following the discovery of a brain tumor last fall. The star safety, who had high hopes of making it to the NFL, is now "permanently disabled," according to the lawsuit.

Brian Kelly offered his view on the allegation during his media availability on Monday.

“I think it’s well known and we’ve talked about the love that we have, our entire team, for Greg Brooks – a leader, beloved by his teammates, and will continue to have that,” Brian Kelly said.

“But unfortunately, lawsuits come out in our culture, our society, every day. And it is what it is. But it doesn’t change the way we feel about Greg.”

Brian Kelly reinstates support for Greg Brooks Jr.

While the program is set to face questions regarding the handling of Greg Brooks Jr.'s situation, Brian Kelly noted on Monday that he is focused on Brooks's well-being and hopes his health improves.

“Our support is going to be there. We hope and pray for only the best for him,” Kelly said. “But when it comes to lawsuits, our kids, players, coaches, we just really focus on Greg and hope and pray that he’s the guy we focus on and we stay away from anything that has legal ramifications.”

Brooks arrived in Baton Rouge ahead of the 2022 college football season after spending three seasons at Arkansas. He played the entire 2022 season with the Tigers and had played two games in 2023 before the discovery of the brain tumor that September.

LSU reacted to Greg Brooks’ lawsuit

Yahoo Sports reached out to LSU authorities last week regarding Brooks' lawsuit. The university released a statement, claiming there was no record of negligence with its medical partner regarding its student-athletes.

"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 school wrote.

“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.”

The 13-page lawsuit, filed in August in East Baton Rouge Parish was obtained by Yahoo Sports on Thursday. It sheds light on previously undisclosed details surrounding the timeline of events leading to Brooks’ sudden medical ordeal last year.