Brian Battie continuing recovery, Hugh Freeze talks with family 'almost daily'

ALEXANDER CITY — Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze gave the latest update Tuesday regarding running back Brian Battie, who was critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head in May.

"I text with them almost daily," Freeze said of Battie's family. "I get videos from them daily. Our thoughts and prayers are with he and his family. He is getting better every single day. He does have a road ahead of him that's challenging. But praise to God that he's OK right now — he's alive and he's recovering. And we're thankful for that."

Battie was one of five victims in a May 18 shooting that occurred in his hometown of Sarasota, Florida. Battie's older brother, Tommie Battie IV, was killed. Darryl Bernard Brookins Jr. was arrested four days later as a suspect and was charged with murder, attempted murder and as a felon in possession of a firearm. Brookins' girlfriend, Nicole Roberts, was arrested May 31 for allegedly assisting Brookins in discarding the gun.

Adriene Battie, Brian and Tommie's mother, updated the status of Brian's recovery June 25 through the family's GoFundMe, which has raised more than $110,000. Adriene said Battie had been moved out of the intensive care unit and into the intensive rehabilitation facility at Sarasota Memorial Hospital on June 17.

Battie was also recently "cleared to eat regular foods with zero restrictions," Adriene said.

According to a probable cause affidavit related to Brookins' arrest, video footage from surrounding businesses shows Brookins leaning on the window of a nearby business before the shooting began. The affidavit also states Brian and Tommie Battie are seen "walking towards Brookins." At that point, Brookins "immediately drew a firearm and began shooting" at the brothers. Both Brian and Tommie returned fire, the affidavit says.

Brookins has an arraignment set for Wednesday, per court documents made available to the public.

Battie has been improving since the shooting took place nearly two months ago. In an earlier update June 15, Adriene wrote that Battie "has made great progress this week and is communicating more. He is smiling, laughing and getting words out. His two favorite words right now have been Brother and Tommie. He was able to write his name yesterday.

"We are asking all our prayer warriors to continue to pray for Brian's recovery and complete healing from the top of Brian's head to the soles of his feet! ... (We're) asking for God to lead our steps as we advocate and research the very best for our son."

Richard Silva is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rich_silva18.