Auburn Running Back Brian Battie's Condition Worsens After Shooting

Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze took to social media to request prayers for running back Brian Battie, whose condition has worsened since being shot and wounded in a fatal incident in Florida.

Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze has asked for prayers for running back Brian Battie, who is in critical condition after being shot and wounded in a deadly incident in Sarasota, Florida, over the weekend.

Battie's brother, Tony Battie IV, was killed in the shooting, and several others were injured.

"Auburn family. Please continue to pray for Brian Battie. There was a setback last night, and he's still on a ventilator," Freeze wrote on Twitter.

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that Battie was in critical condition after the shooting.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is investigating the deadly incident. Officials said deputies responded to reports of a shooting at around 3:30 a.m. ET.

The responding deputies "observed a large crowd with multiple shooting victims in the parking lot," the sheriff's office said in a news release. Four additional victims were transported to hospitals in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

Officials said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident. It wasn't revealed what sparked the violence.

Battie started his collegiate career at South Florida in 2020. He immediately worked his way up to becoming a starter by the 2022 season. He ran for 1,185 yards and eight touchdowns.

He was named an All-American in 2021 as a return specialist.

Battie transferred to Auburn after the 2022 season. With the Tigers, he ran for 227 yards and a touchdown.

Battie's shooting has sent shockwaves through the Auburn community. The Tigers are scheduled to open their season on September 2nd against the Mercer Bears.

The Auburn University athletic department released a statement expressing their support for Battie and his family.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have occurred, and our thoughts and prayers are with Brian and his family during this difficult time," the statement read.

The university is providing counseling and support services for students, faculty, and staff who may be affected by this incident.

The Auburn community is rallying around Battie and his family during this difficult time. Many fans and supporters have taken to social media to offer their prayers and condolences.

The university is also encouraging people to donate blood in Battie's name. The Blood Alliance, a local blood bank, is hosting a blood drive on campus on Tuesday, May 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.