Hugh Freeze: Auburn RB Brian Battie Had Setback, Still on Ventilator After Shooting | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Andrew Mccoy
Published Mar 23, 2026
Auburn running back Brian Battie remains on a ventilator following a shooting Saturday in Sarasota, Florida.
Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze posted on X that Battie suffered a setback Sunday night:
Hugh Freeze @CoachHughFreezeAuburn family. Please continue to pray for Brian Battie. There was a set back last night and he's still on a ventilator. <a href="">#AUSTRONG</a>
Doug Fernandes of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that Battie and his brother, Tommie, were shot Saturday morning at around 3:30 a.m. ET. Tommie was pronounced dead at the scene and Brian was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Three others were hospitalized with injuries from the shooting.
Battie transferred to Auburn ahead of the 2023 season after spending three years at USF. In 13 appearances with the Tigers, he ran for 227 yards and one touchdown on 51 carries. He was their primary return man on kicks as well, totaling 645 yards on 28 returns.
