Parents of two top 100 recruits in the 2025 class are raising serious concerns about LSU coach Brian Kelly amid troubling allegations from former defensive back Greg Brooks Jr.. In October, Brooks filed a lawsuit against the university, claiming that the coaching staff failed to properly diagnose a brain tumor, which he alleges has left him “permanently disabled.” This situation has sparked a firestorm of reactions from parents within the recruiting community, drawing attention to the treatment of players under Kelly’s leadership.
Brooks’ Father Speaks Out
The controversy intensified when Brooks’ father made an emotional appearance on Good Morning America on Monday. In a heartfelt message directed at Kelly, he stated, “My son almost lost his life, coach. Where were you?” This poignant question underscores the gravity of the situation and the perceived lack of support from the coaching staff during a critical time for Brooks and his family.
Reactions from Other Parents
The comments from Greg Brooks Sr. did not go unnoticed. They prompted the mother of five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez to share her own experiences with Kelly on social media. Although Sanchez ultimately committed to Ohio State, he was heavily recruited by LSU, and his family had direct interactions with the coaching staff.
“Listen..oooweee..I met Coach Kelly and this is one coach that shows you who he is when you meet him..believe him!!” Sanchez’s mom wrote. “I am sorry for what your son is going through and I pray he gets out of that chair and runs again..Praying for him.” Her message highlights the personal connections that families forge with coaches during the recruitment process, and it reflects a mix of empathy and support for Brooks Jr.
Additional Voices Join the Conversation
The outpouring of support didn’t stop there. Both the mother and father of four-star linebacker Riley Pettijohn, who is also committed to Ohio State, chimed in on social media. Duke Pettijohn, a former Syracuse defensive lineman, commented under a clip of Greg Brooks Sr.’s interview, stating, “And this is why we didn’t even visit.” This sentiment echoes the concerns of many parents who are now questioning the culture and support systems within the LSU football program.
Brooks’ Medical Crisis
The backdrop of this controversy is Brooks Jr.’s serious medical condition. He underwent emergency surgery in September 2023 to remove a tumor associated with a rare form of brain cancer known as medulloblastoma. His father revealed that the family has not heard from Brian Kelly since October of that same year, raising questions about the level of care and attention players receive during their most vulnerable moments.
The Brooks family is still grappling with the aftermath of the surgery, as Brooks Jr. has not yet regained the ability to walk. This ongoing struggle adds another layer of complexity to the allegations against the coaching staff, as families seek assurance that their loved ones are being cared for both on and off the field.
Kelly’s Response
In light of the allegations, Coach Kelly released a statement to address the situation. “There’s many things I can’t say because it is pending litigation, obviously,” he stated. “But here’s what I can tell you. It is factually incorrect to state that I was not there by Greg’s side through this ordeal. I was there on multiple occasions.”
Kelly emphasized his commitment to the players in his program, stating, “We had somebody from my staff that was there virtually every single day. We love Greg. We love him for the person that he is, for the competitor that he is and the battler that he is and can only wish him continued progress as he goes through an incredibly difficult time.”
Clarifying the Record
The LSU head coach felt it was essential to clarify his involvement and care for Brooks Jr. during this challenging period. “It was important for me to set the record clear as to my care, my love for Greg Jr. during this very difficult time,” Kelly said. He reassured that he is deeply involved in ensuring that all players receive the best care and support possible.
“Again, I want to be clear that any player that is part of this program, I am going to be involved in making sure that they receive the best care, the best support, and I’m part of that,” he added. This statement aims to reassure both current and prospective players and their families about the program’s commitment to player welfare.
The Bigger Picture
As this story unfolds, it raises important questions about the responsibilities of college football programs in caring for their athletes. How can coaches ensure that players receive the necessary medical attention and support? What steps can be taken to foster a culture of care and compassion within programs?
With the recruitment landscape constantly evolving, the actions of coaches like Brian Kelly will undoubtedly be scrutinized more than ever. Parents are looking for assurance that their children will be cared for not just as athletes but as individuals facing life’s challenges. The outcome of this situation could have lasting implications for LSU and its recruiting efforts moving forward.
In a world where college football is often viewed through the lens of wins and losses, it’s crucial to remember that behind every athlete is a family, a story, and a life that matters. As the LSU community navigates this difficult chapter, the hope remains that lessons will be learned, and positive changes will emerge for the sake of all student-athletes.
