Greg Brooks Jr. brain tumor: LSU safety undergoes emergency surgery, latest updates

BATON ROUGE — LSU football safety Greg Brooks Jr. had emergency surgery to remove a "large brain tumor" on Friday, Brooks' family revealed on social media Wednesday.

The surgery was successful and his family is awaiting the biopsy results, the statement said.

Brooks was unavailable to play for the Tigers during their 41-14 win over Mississippi State on Saturday due to a medical emergency, coach Brian Kelly said after the game. Brooks was awarded the game ball following the win.

Update on Greg Brooks Jr.'s health after brain tumor surgery

Brooks' family released a statement on Wednesday, stating that "Greg continues to fight and we await further clarity on the extent of his battle," referring to whether the removed tissue is cancerous or not.

"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. This means the world to us at this difficult time," the statement read. "Greg continues to fight, and we await further clarity on the extent of that battle. His incredible strength of character gives us confidence, but we also know that he needs our support now more than ever. Please keep Greg and our family in your prayers. #Pray for 3."

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Timeline of Greg Brooks Jr.'s brain tumor surgery

Kelly told reporters during his weekly SEC teleconference on Wednesday that Brooks experienced dizziness from vertigo last Wednesday, prompting LSU to get him an MRI which revealed the brain tumor. Brooks had dealt with vertigo throughout preseason practices.

"The vertigo was just a symptom of what was obviously a larger issue," Kelly said.

Kelly is unsure if Brooks can return to play this season. But he did say that he saw Brooks in the hospital Sunday and that before his surgery "he was pretty clear about playing again this year."

Before Wednesday's news, Kelly on Monday ruled out Brooks for LSU's matchup Saturday against Arkansas (6 p.m., ESPN). Kelly called Brooks' situation "a family matter" and did not provide a timeline for his potential return.

Wide receiver Malik Nabers said on Saturday the team was notified of Brooks' medical emergency on Thursday. Edge rusher Sai'vion Jones and linebacker Greg Penn III said Tuesday that Brooks sent a message to the team prior to its matchup against the Bulldogs.

"He just told us to go out there and get the dub and lock in," Penn said.

Brooks is a team captain and started at safety for LSU in its first two games of this season, recording eight tackles and two passes defended. He had 63 total tackles and two interceptions in his first year with the Tigers last season.

Brooks transferred to LSU after spending three years at Arkansas in 2022. He is from Harvey, Louisiana and attended West Jefferson High School.

What did Arkansas' Sam Pittman say about Greg Brooks Jr.?

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman, Brooks' former coach, began his weekly press conference on Monday sending his best wishes for Brooks.

"I want to start out talking about Greg Brooks. I'm not positive what is going on with him, but they talked about a medical emergency," Pittman said. "Greg was a wonderful kid when he was here and did a great job for us.

"Whatever it may be, I want him and his family and LSU to know that we're concerned, we're praying for him and we hope that he has a speedy recovery. I wish I knew more about it but I don't. I do know a medical emergency means there's something wrong, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and the LSU football team and community."

Then on Wednesday, Pittman said during his weekly teleconference that he spoke with Brooks' mother on Monday. He continued to praise Brooks, saying that he is "caring, loving, smiles all the time, competitive, great teammates, great person (and has a) great family."

"That was easy, by the way, because that's who he is," Pittman said.

Greg Brooks Jr. stats at LSU, Arkansas

Brooks has eight tackles with two passes defended through two games this season for LSU. He made 66 tackles, including three tackles for loss, with three passes defended and two interceptions in 2022, his first season in Baton Rouge.

Before that, Brooks played three seasons at Arkansas, making 31 starts for the Razorbacks and finishing with 112 tackles, 5.5 TFLs and four interceptions.

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More information will be added to this developing story.

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Koki Riley covers LSU sports for The Daily Advertiser. Email him at kriley@theadvertiser.com and follow him on Twitter at @KokiRiley

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Greg Brooks brain tumor updates: LSU safety has emergency surgery