Auburn running back Brian Battie could be facing a harrowing prognosis following a ‘senseless’ shooting that killed his brother, Tommie Battie, earlier this month.
According to court docs obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, the college football star may end up permanently paralyzed.
A probable cause affidavit from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office revealed Brian and Tommie were ‘walking in the area’ when a man named Darryl Brookins drew a gun and fired at them.
Authorities are accusing Brookins of firing 12 or 13 shots from a few feet away, while around 200 people were in or near the parking lot at the time.
22-year-old Brian, who is still in hospital after the incident on May 18, is ‘getting better’ despite the prognosis.
Auburn running back Brian Battie could be permanently paralyzed after a shooting
The college football star has been in hospital since the incident earlier this month
‘[To] honor the family, I don’t want to go into too many things, but they appreciate all the prayers, for sure,’ Auburn coach Hugh Freeze told reporters at the SEC’s spring meetings on Tuesday.
‘It’s been a difficult time for the whole family, but he seems to be getting better each day,’ he added
The deputies who responded to the incident ‘observed a large crowd with multiple shooting victims,’ per a news release from the sheriff’s office.
Officials said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident, though it wasn’t revealed what instigated the violence.
28-year-old Brookins was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, and as a felon in possession of a firearm last week.
Darryl Brookins, 28, was arrested and charged with murder in relation to the Florida shooting
Brian was transported to a local hospital following the shooting, which killed his older brother
Hugh Freeze, who previously said Brian was on a ventilator, confirmed he’s now getting better
He allegedly killed 24-year-old Tommie, and wounded multiple people.
Freeze previously urged fans to ‘pray’ after revealing Brian was still in critical condition, days after the incident.
‘Auburn family. Please continue to pray for Brian Battie. There was a set back last night and he’s still on a ventilator,’ Freeze wrote on X last week.
The description of a GoFundMe page setup to benefit the Battie family sadly confirmed his brother’s passing.
‘On May 18, 2024, the Battie family received the most devastating news that Tommie and Brian were victims of a senseless shooting,’ the message began.
‘It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we have to share the unexpected passing of Tommie Battie IV (Pooh). Brian Battie remains in critical condition at a local hospital.’
Brian rushed for 1,842 yards and scored 10 touchdowns across three seasons playing at South Florida.
He transferred to Auburn for the 2023 season and rushed 51 times for 227 yards and a touchdown.
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