**Hugh Freeze Provides Update on Auburn Running Back’s Recovery After Gunshot Incident**
Auburn Tigers running back Brian Battie, who was recently discharged from the hospital, still faces a lengthy recovery process following a shooting incident that also resulted in the death of his brother, Tyrone. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze shared an update on Battie’s condition during the SEC head coaches teleconference on Wednesday.
Before the call, Freeze visited Battie and discussed the ongoing communication with him and his family. “We FaceTime at least once a week, usually with his mom if he’s not feeling up to it,” Freeze said. “Yesterday was my first in-person visit. We had planned two other visits, but the weather prevented us from flying. This time, I spent the whole morning with him, his mother, father, and sister until his therapy started. It was great to see him.”
Freeze elaborated on what the next steps of Battie’s recovery might involve now that he is out of the hospital. “He’s facing a tough journey,” Freeze noted. “The main focus now is on his recovery and rehabilitation, especially getting his brain functioning properly again. Walking remains a challenge, but he has a positive attitude. He’s eager to come to Auburn for a game, and it was really meaningful to spend time with him.”
In his first season with Auburn in 2023, Battie played in every game and was the primary kick-off returner. He rushed for 227 yards and scored one touchdown on 51 carries. Before transferring to Auburn, Battie played three seasons with South Florida, where he earned All-American honors after his 2022 season.
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