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LSU Tigers safety Greg Brooks had the procedure on Friday of last week.
CNN –
Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers football player Greg Brooks Jr. underwent surgery Friday to remove a “large brain tumor,” according to a statement released Wednesday by his family and reported by CNN affiliate WAFB.
“Greg Jr. was diagnosed last week with a large brain tumor that required emergency surgery,” said the family statement, which was released Wednesday, according to WAFB.
“Doctors successfully performed the procedure on Friday to remove the mass and we are awaiting the biopsy results.”
“Greg continues to fight and we await further clarity on the extent of this battle,” the statement later said. “His incredible strength of character gives us confidence, but we also know he needs our support now more than ever. Please keep Greg and our family in your prayers.”
CNN reached out to LSU to confirm the family’s statement but did not immediately receive a response.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly announced the news in his weekly media conference on Wednesday. Kelly said the tumor was discovered after the team ordered an MRI scan for Brooks, a starting safety, after the player complained of possible dizziness and dizziness both in the preseason and in recent weeks.
When asked if the discovery of the tumor was related to Brooks’ dizziness, Kelly said, “Yes, we were trying to figure out what the symptoms were and he had another episode of dizziness on … Wednesday last week.”
“Finally we said enough was enough, did an MRI and that’s where the tumor was located. The dizziness was just a symptom of an obviously larger problem.”
Kelly added that he visited Brooks in the hospital on Sunday, but the player was still coming out of “heavy sedation” so they didn’t have a “clear” conversation.
Kelly said that before Brooks underwent surgery, it was “pretty clear” to him that he wanted to play again this year, “but that’s just Greg Brooks.”
The statement from Brooks’ family said: “We are grateful for the work and care of the medical staff supporting Greg through these challenges and for the concern and love expressed by so many in Louisiana, Arkansas and the national sports communities “That means the world to us during this difficult time.”
LSU Football’s official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, I posted a picture by Brooks with the caption “All Love For 3.” Brooks wears the number three on his jersey.
According to LSU, Brooks played in two games for the Tigers this season after starting 13 of 14 games last season. Before coming to LSU, Brooks played for the Arkansas Razorbacks for three seasons. According to the LSU Tigers website, he is a Louisiana native who grew up in Harvey and attended West Jefferson High School.
Kelly announced before LSU’s opening game of the regular season that Brooks would be one of the Tigers’ team captains in 2023 after being voted into that role by his teammates.
LSU and Arkansas are scheduled to play at Tiger Stadium on Saturday.