By Joseph M. Ricco IV
Former Louisiana State University (LSU) football player and team captain Greg Brooks Jr. has filed a lawsuit against LSU, its Board of Supervisors, and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, alleging that negligence and medical malpractice have left him permanently disabled. Brooks, who played safety, claims that LSU’s head coach Brian Kelly, former safeties coach Kerry Cooks, and other staff ignored serious neurological symptoms he was experiencing—such as dizziness and nausea—which delayed the diagnosis of a brain tumor. According to Brooks, the coaching staff and trainers not only failed to provide the urgent medical care he needed but also pressured him to keep practicing, which further endangered his health. By the time doctors discovered the tumor, Brooks underwent surgery that, he says, went tragically wrong, leaving him unable to walk, use his right hand, or communicate effectively. This article will explore the details of Brooks’ claims and the potential outcomes that could follow the case’s resolution.
The Allegations
Greg Brooks Jr.’s lawsuit claims that LSU’s coaching staff, athletic trainers, and medical personnel failed him, leading to his life-altering disabilities. In early August 2023, Brooks says he began experiencing serious neurological symptoms. He reported dizziness, nausea, and headaches to his coaches and trainers multiple times. Instead of referring him to a neurological specialist, LSU’s staff allegedly treated his complaints with basic remedies and cleared him to continue practicing. Brooks argues that this lack of immediate action delayed critical diagnostic measures and led to devastating consequences.
Head coach Brian Kelly, former safeties coach Kerry Cooks, and head athletic trainer Owen Stanley are named in the lawsuit as key figures responsible for neglecting Brooks’ health concerns. Brooks claims he was told he could sit out of practice, yet he was warned that his position on the team might be at risk if he did so. Feeling pressured, he continued to practice and play through the symptoms. He ultimately participated in LSU’s first two games of the season. It wasn’t until September 13, 2023—over a month after his symptoms started—that an MRI finally revealed a tumor in his brain.
Following this diagnosis, Brooks underwent surgery, which he claims was mismanaged. He alleges the procedure, performed by Dr. Brandon Gaynor, led to multiple strokes and serious neurological damage. The lawsuit states that LSU’s medical partner, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, had recommended Dr. Gaynor for the surgery. Brooks says the operation left him unable to walk, use his right hand, or communicate clearly. He further accuses LSU of adding to his distress by disclosing private health information publicly and using his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) without his consent. According to Brooks, LSU’s actions prioritized the school’s athletic interests over his health and well-being.
The Road Ahead
The outcome of Greg Brooks’ case could have significant implications for college sports programs and their approach to athlete health and safety. If LSU and its affiliates are found liable, the ruling may reinforce a precedent for stricter medical protocols and oversight within athletic departments nationwide. Colleges could be pushed to adopt more rigorous policies that prioritize player well-being over competitive demands, especially when athletes report symptoms that suggest serious health risks. Such a result could also highlight the potential liabilities that universities face when their sports programs are perceived to disregard the medical needs of student-athletes.
This case may also shine a light on the relationship between universities and their medical partners. With Brooks’ allegations of malpractice against Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, questions could also arise about how health providers are vetted and recommended to athletes. In the event of a ruling in favor of Brooks, schools may be compelled to reexamine how medical decisions are made and communicated to athletes and their families, especially in high-stakes environments. Additionally, this case could impact how colleges use players’ Name, Image, and Likeness rights, reinforcing the importance of maintaining trust and transparency in the handling of private health information.
As Brooks’ case heads to court on February 10, 2025, it stands as a reminder of the risks and responsibilities inherent in college athletics. The lawsuit encapsulates pressing issues around player safety, medical ethics, and institutional accountability, drawing attention to the balance universities must strike between athletic performance and athlete care. The trial’s outcome could ripple across collegiate sports programs, potentially reshaping policies that affect student-athletes nationwide. Whatever the decision, it will serve as a critical moment for the future of player health and safety in college athletics.
Joseph M. Ricco IV is a junior sport management and government double major at the University of Texas at Austin. Joseph is actively involved as a Texas Longhorns football recruiting operations intern and currently works with Pro Football Focus as a data collector. He also has experience as a training camp operations intern with the Kansas City Chiefs. Joseph aims to leverage his sports management and legal knowledge to pursue a career in football administration.
