Auburn’s Hugh Freeze Issues Update on Brian Battie, Player Hospitalized After Shooting

Auburn running back Brian Battie was injured in a shooting early Saturday morning in Sarasota, Florida. Tigers coach Hugh Freeze posted an update to X , formerly Twitter, on Monday afternoon, mentioning that Battie suffered a setback on Sunday.

“Auburn family. Please continue to pray for Brian Battie,” Freeze wrote. “There was a set back last night and he’s still on a ventilator.”

Battie was one of four victims hospitalized after the shooting, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office . Battie’s older brother, Tommie Battie, was killed in the shooting, which took place around 3:30 a.m. ET.

Battie is set to enter his second year at Auburn after transferring from USF, where he played three seasons.

According to a GoFundMe launched to support the Battie family , Brian is in critical condition.

Information on the GoFundMe campaign for Auburn football player Brian Battie’s family

Kelli Raines and Tanya Babinski, who are listed as godmothers to Tommie and Brian Battie, are soliciting donations to support the Battie family after the shooting.

As of Monday afternoon, the campaign has raised $61,968 of a $100,000 goal, with 541 total donations made.

“Brian Battie remains in critical condition at a local hospital. We know he will continue to fight and overcome this, just as he has overcome so many other obstacles in his life,” the GoFundMe page reads. “Losing a child so unexpectedly is something unimaginable and something that will never be healed. The family will never be the same without Pooh [Tommie Battie], and neither will anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. We ask that you continue to pray for Brian to make a full recovery to return home with his loving family. With all of the emotional pain and stress that tragedy brings, it also brings financial burdens. We would like to raise money for the Battie family to help with unforeseen funeral expenses and medical bills. The family is understandably shocked by this loss and not prepared for all that is happening at this time.

“It is in times of sadness and loss when people can come together to help one another make it through. Any support you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Please keep the entire Battie family in your thoughts and prayers during this time of heartbreak. Thank you in advance for your loving kindness.”