Alabama AD Bill Battle takes leave of absence for cancer treatment
Alabama athletic director Bill Battle is taking a medical leave of absence to receive treatment for cancer, according to Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News.
Battle is fighting Stage 1 multiple myeloma, which is the cancer of the plasma cells. He's currently in a "good partial remission." Battle said his condition isn't life-threatening and added that he expects to return to the office later in the summer.
Prayers for my friend, Bill Battle, as he steps away for a few weeks for cancer treatment. Best wishes for a swift return.@UA_Athletics
— Jay Jacobs (@jayjacobsauad) June 21, 2016
Starting Wednesday, the 73-year-old will spend two weeks at the Winship Cancer Center at Emory University in Atlanta, where he'll undergo stem cell transplant treatment. Battle says he'll remain in daily contact with administrators.
Battle has dealt with cancer for over two years.