What happened to Brian Battie? Auburn RB in critical condition following shooting incident

Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie was injured in a shooting outside of a hookah bar in Sarasota, Florida. His brother, former Braden River running back Tommie Battie, was shot and killed on the spot.

According to Doug Fernandes, the sports columnist for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Brian Battie is in critical condition as he was shot in the head. Per WSSB-TV, Sarasota police responded to a shooting on Saturday around 3:30 a.m. in the 3400 block of 17th Street.

Four additional victims were taken to a nearby local hospital in both Manatee and Sarasota counties. During part of the inquiry, one eastbound lane of 17th Street between Tallywood Drive and Beneva Road was closed.

As of this writing, investigators did not release if there was a motive in the case.

Exploring Brian Battie's college career stats

Brian Battie is entering his fifth season of college football. He spent his first three seasons playing for his hometown South Florida Bulls program before transferring to the Auburn Tigers ahead of the 2023 college football season.

Last season, he recorded 51 rushing attempts for 227 yards (4.5 yards per carry) with a rushing touchdown as well as seven receptions for 52 yards (7.4 yards per catch). Battie has been used primarily as a kick returner for the Auburn Tigers in his first season with the program.

He returned kickoffs 29 times for 645 yards (22.2 yards per kick return). Listed at 5-foot-7, 170 pounds, Battie has a smaller frame but has shown the ability to do well. His breakout season was in 2022 with the Bulls, when he took a major leap.

In that season, he recorded 176 rushing attempts for 1,186 yards (6.7 yards per rush) with eight rushing touchdowns while adding 14 catches for 227 yards (4.5 yards per reception) but did not find the end zone in the passing game.