Auburn running back Brian Battie was injured in a shooting in Florida on Saturday that claimed the life of his older brother, Tommie, according to multiple reports.
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that Battie remains in critical condition after being shot in the head. The shooting reportedly took place at a hookah bar in Sarasota, Florida, early Saturday morning. An Auburn spokesperson told multiple outlets that the program is aware of the situation and is continuing to gather information.
Sarasota Director of Community Affairs Evan Keats confirmed to AL.com that Tommie, 24, was killed in the shooting while 4 others were taken to the hospital. Keats would not confirm any other victim’s name in the shooting, citing Florida’s Marsy’s Law statute, and had no additional update on their condition.
Deputies have not yet released the name of the shooter or a motive. An investigation is ongoing.
A senior from Sarasota, Battie began his career at USF before transferring to Auburn ahead of the 2023 season. Battie carried the ball 51 times for 227 yards for the Tigers in his debut season while backing up Jarquez Hunter and Damari Alston.
At USF, Battie was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2022. In 2021, he was a consensus first-team All-American kick returner after he led college football with three kickoffs returned for touchdowns. Battie was Auburn’s primary kick returner last season, averaging 23 yards per return.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
