During the SEC spring meetings, Tigers coach Hugh Freeze stated that Battie was “getting better”.
According to court documents obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, Auburn running back Brian Battie could face “permanent paralysis” as a result of a fatal gunshot in his hometown of Sarasota, Florida.
Battie was shot during an altercation on May 18 that killed his 24-year-old brother, Tommie Battie, on the scene. Brian was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he remains. Auburn coach Hugh Freeze earlier reported a setback in Battie’s recovery, which has left him on a ventilator.
“He’s getting better,” Freeze told reporters at the SEC spring meetings. “[To] honor the family, I don’t want to get into too many details, but they really appreciate all of the prayers. It’s been a trying period for the entire family, but he appears to be improving every day.”
Darryl Brookins, the suspect, surrendered to Sarasota County deputies and is now in arrest. Brookins was charged with murder, attempted murder, and felony firearm possession. Brookins’ lawyer says he was acting in self-defense. An affidavit alleges there is video proof of the incident.
Battie moved to Auburn from South Florida, where he was a unanimous All-American kick returner in 2021. In 2023, he returned kicks for the Tigers, ranking fourth in the SEC with an average of 23.0 yards per kickoff return. Battie also carried for 227 yards and one touchdown.
