Brennan says he has traumatic brain injury

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STAR ADVERTISER FILE
Brennan said the condition was caused by injuries he suffered in a 2010 two-car accident in which he was a passenger.

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Former Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he has been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury.

Brennan said the condition was caused by injuries he suffered in a 2010 two-car accident in which he was a passenger. Brennan was hospitalized for eight days with injuries to his head, ribs and collarbone from the Big Island accident on Nov. 19, 2010.

Brennan signed with the Los Angeles KISS of the Arena Football League on Oct. 29, 2013. His condition was detected during the team’s physical examinations. Brennan said he was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury following a series of medical tests, administered by Dr. Vernon Williams, who specializes in neurology and pain management.

The KISS placed Brennan on the physically-unable-to-perform list last week.

"They did some tests, and there were major concerns about me playing football," said Brennan, adding, "I was medically not cleared to play."

Brennan said he will meet with a neurologist in Hawaii next week for a second opinion. He also wants to find out why he received medical clearance to play in what became short stints with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League in 2011 and Saskatchewan of the Canadian Football League in 2012.

Brennan said he and his Honolulu neurologist will review "these new tests just so I can know if football is really over."

Brennan set several NCAA records, including most touchdown passes in a season (58), in a three-year UH career. He guided UH to a 12-0 record in 2007 before a loss in the BCS Sugar Bowl to Georgia. Brennan finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting behind Tim Tebow of Florida and Darren McFadden of Arkansas.

He was the Washington Redskins’ sixth-round pick in the 2008 National Football League Draft. Brennan was with the Redskins for two seasons, spending the 2009 season on injured reserve, before being released in 2010. He was with the Oakland Raiders for a month in 2010 before also being released.

In July, Brennan pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was fined $300.