Aaron Brooks released a cryptic social media statement Friday evening hours before his father indicated to a Maryland newspaper that the Olympic bronze medalist had tested positive for a banned substance. 

“I’ve been dealing with some major medical issues which is why I haven’t competed this year,” Aaron Brooks wrote. “To the next and upcoming generation, always be mindful of what you put in your body. Ignorance kills and even something that seems innocent at your local grocery store can cause consequences. I’ll be back soon.” 

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— AB (@__ABALLDAY) June 27, 2025

The Herald Mail — the newspaper in Brooks’ hometown, Hagerstown, Maryland — published a story Friday night that included information from Brooks’ father, John, who said his son was flagged for consuming an over-the-counter supplement this spring.

"He had a respiratory infection," John Brooks told The Herald Mail. "He thought he had a cold, so he tried to push through it, and he ended up with double pneumonia. He was in the hospital for four days. He couldn't breathe. Pneumonia, it can be fatal.

"He finally gets out and is looking at his doctor's report and all the things he's lacking in. And he went to get supplements to replenish whatever it is that needs to be replenished. One of the things he purchased was right next to the fish oil. It's just a supplement, a natural, plant-based supplement, so he picked it up and started taking these things.

"It wasn't a matter of being able to compete. It was a matter of feeling better, being able to walk up steps without being out of breath.

"He didn't read the label, which was his mistake, to see if it was something that he can't take."

Brooks became the seventh four-time NCAA champion during his illustrious Penn State career, which wrapped up in 2024. He's also an accomplished freestyle wrestler with a resume that includes a 2023 U23 World title, a 2018 U20 World silver medal and a 2017 U17 World title.