Alabama yesterday announced AD BILL BATTLE "will step away from the office for a few weeks as he receives treatment for multiple myeloma, which he has been fighting for more than two years,” according to Michael Casagrande of the BIRMINGHAM NEWS. Battle will “still direct the department while staying in communication with senior officials,” as the condition “is not considered life-threatening.” Battle is in the final year of a four-year contract signed in ’13 (BIRMINGHAM NEWS, 6/22). In Alabama, Cecil Hart notes over the course of a demanding ‘15 football season, some colleagues noticed that the 73-year-old Battle “had grown noticeably thinner.” Battle said, “A couple of people asked about it. I'd actually lost about 20 pounds. But I think most people just assumed I was getting into really good shape." He added of his leave, “I will be in touch by e-mail every day. ... I expect to be back in the office later this summer. My doctors say that I will be able to keep working for years, for as long as I want to" (TUSCALOOSA NEWS, 6/22).
WELL-WISHES ON TWITTER: Auburn AD Jay Jacobs wrote, "Prayers for my friend, Bill Battle, as he steps away for a few weeks for cancer treatment. Best wishes for a swift return." Arkansas AD Jeff Long: "Thoughts & well wishes for Bama AD Bill Battle as he continues his fight against cancer. Have utmost respect for Bill as a friend & leader." IMG College Chair Emeritus Ben Sutton: "One of finest men I have ever known in sports-terrific husband, father, entrepreneur-prayers for Coach Bill Battle!" CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd: "God speed to Bama’s Bill Battle."
