Auburn football’s Hugh Freeze gives update on Brian Battie status after shooting

The Auburn football program is going through a challenging time amid news of Brian Battie’s status after he was tragically shot on Saturday morning. Battie is reportedly in critical condition after the incident. Head coach Hugh Freeze gave another critical update on Battie on Monday afternoon.

“Auburn family. Please continue to pray for Brian Battie. There was a set back last night and he’s still on a ventilator,” Freeze posted on X.

Hopefully, Battie’s medical staff can keep him get stable as he fights to stay well.

News broke on Saturday morning that the junior running back had been shot in the head after an incident in Sarasota, FL. Battie’s brother, Brian, is reportedly dead. Sarasota Police Department shared details of the shooting that tragically affected the brothers.

“UPDATE: The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is investigating a shooting that occurred in the 3400 block of 17th Street early Saturday morning.”

“Deputies initially responded to the Tallywood Centre Plaza at approximately 3:30 am where they observed a large crowd with multiple shooting victims in the parking lot. One victim, Tommie L. Battie IV (10/3/1999), was pronounced deceased at the scene. Four additional victims were transported to local hospitals in both Manatee and Sarasota counties. There is no further update on any of the other victim’s conditions. One eastbound lane of 17th Street between Tallywood Drive and Beneva Road was shut down during part of the investigation.”

The incident is still under investigation.

Hugh Freeze, Auburn football family wish Brian Battie speedy recovery

Brian Battie joined the Auburn football program in 2023 after three stout seasons with UCF. Battie built a solid foundation for himself during his freshman and sophomore years with the Knights. After amassing 332 yards and one touchdown in 2020, he put up nearly identical production the following year. Yet, he was only getting started.

Battie experienced a massive breakout in 2022. He rushed for a collegiate career high of 1,186 yards and eight touchdowns. Afterward, he decided to seek a change in scenery and transferred to Auburn. Battie comes off a 2023 season with totals of 227 yards and one TD on 51 carries.

The college football world is continuing to keep Battie in their thoughts as he fights for his life from Saturday’s tragic incident.