Former LSU free safety Greg Brooks contends the school and a local hospital were negligent in how they diagnosed and treated his brain tumor, leading him to becoming permanently disabled.
The allegations are detailed in a lawsuit he filed in August in East Baton Rouge Parish against LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. Yahoo and local newspaper The Advocate obtained a copy of the suit and reported on the case Friday.
Brooks played in two games in the 2023 season before the brain tumor showed up in an MRI. But his medical problems predated the start of the season, he said in the lawsuit.
According to Brooks’ account, he vomited and ultimately passed out during practice on Aug. 5, 2023, witnessed by coaches and trainers.
“Greg told his coaches and athletic trainers that he was dizzy, had a headache and was nauseous — all which are neurological symptoms,” the lawsuit reads.
It further states that he was given Zofran, a drug to prevent nausea and vomiting, then sent back to practice. In subsequent weeks, he continued to let staff know when he felt dizzy but said coaches encouraged him to continue practicing and playing because he risked losing his starting job, per The Advocate.
In the lawsuit, he said he was not referred to a neurologist until mid-September, when the diagnosis was made, and said the inaction for a month caused “the pain and suffering” he went through.
Among those on the LSU side named in the lawsuit are Tigers head coach Brian Kelly, then-defensive coordinator Matt House, then-safeties coach Kerry Cooks, head athletic trainer Owen Stanley, and team doctors Stephen Etheredge and Vincent Shaw, according to The Advocate.
“While LSU cannot comment on ongoing litigation, Greg Brooks remains in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to work through the rehabilitation process,” LSU said in a statement to Yahoo. “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.”
In the lawsuit, Brooks also alleged that surgeon Brandon Gaynor committed malpractice, contending he has “catastrophic neurological injuries” and cannot walk one year after surgery.
“First, and foremost, our prayers remain with Greg for his continued healing and recovery,” the hospital said in a statement to Yahoo. “Due to patient privacy laws and pending litigation, we can’t comment on specific individuals or situations. 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. Providing excellent healthcare to those we serve is our top priority.”
Brooks was a fifth-year senior last fall and played his final game on Sept. 9, a 72-10 win over Grambling in which he made four tackles.
