LSU’s starting safety Greg Brooks was diagnosed with a brain tumor last week and underwent surgery on Friday to remove the lesion.
Brooks’ family sent a statement Wednesday updating his situation, which was confirmed by an LSU official.
For unclear reasons, the Arkansas transfer was unable to attend last weekend’s win over Mississippi State. Coach Brian Kelly described it as a “medical emergency” on Monday, but declined to further out of respect for the Brooks family. Kelly stated that he did not have a date for Brooks’ comeback.
According to the statement, the surgery to remove the “large brain tumor” was successful, and the family is waiting for the results of a biopsy.
“We are grateful for the work and care of the medical staff helping Greg through these challenges and for the concern and love poured out by so many in the Louisiana, Arkansas and national sports communities,” the family stated in a statement. “This means everything to us during this trying time.
“Greg continues to fight, and we await further clarity on the extent of that battle.”
On Wednesday’s SEC teleconference, Kelly explained that Brooks’ experience with dizziness earlier this year was a sign of the tumor. Kelly stated that Brooks experienced disorientation again on Wednesday, prompting an MRI that found the tumor.
When asked if he expected Brooks to play again this season, Kelly said he didn’t know, but that when he visited Brooks before to surgery, the fifth-year senior had made up his mind.
“He was pretty clear about playing again this year,” Kelly told reporters. “But that’s Greg Brooks.”
Brooks, a Louisiana native who attended West Jefferson High School, switched to LSU at the start of last season. He started all 14 games in 2022 and finished fifth on the squad with 66 tackles.
