Brian Battie of Auburn injured, brother killed in shooting

Auburn running back Brian Battie is in critical condition after a shooting in his hometown of Sarasota, Florida, on Saturday that killed Battie’s brother, 24-year-old Tommie Battie.

Auburn coach Hugh Freeze asked for prayers for Battie on his social media account Monday. Freeze said there was a setback Sunday and Battie remains on a ventilator.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office released a statement over the weekend saying it is investigating a shooting that occurred early Saturday morning in the 3400 block of 17th Street.

Officers initially responded to the Tallywood Center Plaza around 3:30 a.m. where they observed a large crowd with multiple shooting victims in the parking lot. One victim, Tommie L. Battie IV (October 3, 1999), was pronounced deceased at the scene. Four additional victims were transported to local hospitals in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Auburn’s only official statement at this time is that the school is aware of the incident and is still gathering information.

Battie, who began his career at South Florida, was Auburn’s leading kick returner last season and also rushed for 227 yards as a running back.