Report: Former Super Bowl Champ Aqib Talib Sued, Accused Of Playing Part In Fight That Led To Death Of Football Coach

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib and his brother are being sued for more than $1 million by Michael Hickmon’s family. Hickmon was a football coach who was shot and killed during a youth football game. Aqib’s brother Yaqub Talib is accused of killing Hickmon.

Big XII Sports League and Family Services are also being sued by Hickmon’s family in a civil suit. The company is accused of not properly vetting coaches.

The lawsuit accuses the former Super Bowl Champion, Aqib Talib of allegedly playing a role in starting the brawl that led to his brother allegedly shooting Hickmon. Two days after the shooting, Yaqub turned himself into police custody and was indicted shortly after. Yaqub’s attorneys will likely raise a self-defense claim in the criminal case.

“The people that went forth to the police officers were parents of the team to which that coach was connected,” Talib’s attorney said. “And they all conveniently forgot to mention … those self-defense issues.”

TMZ obtained a video of the scuffle that led to multiple shots being fired, allegedly causing Hickmon’s death in front of his son and other friends and family. Witnesses allegedly said that Aqib started the fight and even punched Hickmon, according to the suit. Hickmon’s wife, who filed the lawsuit, reiterated those claims.

Both Talib brothers reportedly had their sons playing in the youth football game, the case claims. A taunting penalty was allegedly called and when Hickmon went over to the opposite sideline to get his son’s football, Aqib is accused of attempting to fight him, according to court records. Yaqub allegedly pulled out his handgun and is accused of shooting Hickmon five times leading to his death, according to police.

Aqib has not been charged with anything related to the criminal case or the events that day. The commentator left his job at Amazon shortly after his brother was arrested.

The Big XII Sports League and Family Services were also sued by Hickmon’s family and a rep said the following:

“We have no control over what happens in the pre-season,” Raymond Alford said. “We don’t run the games, we don’t supply the fields, we don’t supply the referees.”

Aqib Talib played in the NFL from 2008 to 2019. He spent his first five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then his next season and a half with the New England Patriots, then four seasons with the Denver Broncos, and ended his career with the Rams. Aqib went to five Pro Bowls, was second team all pro in 2013, and first team all pro in 2016. He also won Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos. Aqib then worked as a color commentator for Fox’s coverage of the NFL.

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