Bill Battle, former UA athletic director, dies at 82

Bill Battle, former director of athletics for the University of Alabama and a legendary figure in college athletics, has passed away at the age of 82. Alabama Athletics released a statement Thanksgiving morning announcing Battle's passing. Battle served as Alabama's director of athletics from 2013 to 2017, but his ties to UA go back to being a student athlete in the 1960s. Battle, a Birmingham native, played football under legendary football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in the 1960 to 1963. He was a three-year starter and helped lead the Crimson Tide to Bryant's first National Championship in 1961.One of Battle's most notable achievements was the creation of the Collegiate Licensing Company in 1981. He served as its president and CEO until 2002. In a statement from Alabama Athletics, the current Alabama director of athletics, Greg Bryne, called Battle a "true visionary":"It's difficult to put into words just how much Coach Battle means to The University of Alabama and college athletics, as a whole. He excelled in so many areas and was a true visionary. Beyond his accomplishments, he was an incredible man, and I am forever grateful for the friendship we built over the years. We will miss him tremendously and are praying for Mary, Pat, Mike, Shannon, Kayla and the entire Battle family."Former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban said Battle "revolutionized" college football:"Bill Battle was first class in every way. He represented The University of Alabama with tremendous character and integrity. He was an outstanding football player at Alabama, a successful collegiate head coach and visionary who revolutionized the business of college athletics. I got to know him best when he returned to direct the Alabama athletics department where his vision and leadership were driving factors in the Crimson Tide's success that resulted in our 2015 national championship. Terry and I are saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Mary and their entire family. He will be deeply missed." Funeral arrangements for Battle have not been announced. >> WVTM 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free