Auburn running back Brian Battie released from hospital, family says

Video above: Battie family calling for action after another family member gets shot

SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Auburn running back Brian Battie was released from the hospital and is now recovering at home, months after he was shot in the head and critically injured.

“Brian is now HOME and will continue intensive rehab in an Outpatient setting,” his family announced in an update posted to his GoFundMe page on Sunday.

Battie will continue going to Sarasota Memorial Hospital for outpatient rehab for the next six to nine months.

“Brian is determined the gain full mobility on his right side and WILL get there,” the update said. “This is a crucial phase in his recovery, and we are optimistic about the progress he will make.”

His family also said he will undergo surgery to replace his left skull bone flap, which was removed to allow his brain to swell after his injury. This comes with an ICU stay and a week or two of intensive rehab.

“The transition home has been extremely emotional as Brian is forced to face the harsh reality of life outside the Hospital continuing on without his brother and his best friend,” the post said.

Battie’s family said he hopes to attend Auburn and University of South Florida games this fall as his recovery progresses.

On May 18, the former USF player was left critically injured after being shot in the head in the Tallywood Centre Plaza parking lot in Sarasota. His brother, Tommie L. Battie IV, was pronounced dead at the site of the shooting. Brian and three others were hospitalized after the incident.

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