Witness Accuses Aqib Talib Of Starting Fight Before Fatal Shooting Of Football Coach, As Graphic Video Of Shooting Goes Public

NFL: Los Angeles Rams-Training Camp
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib has been accused by at least one witness of allegedly starting a fight before the brawl which led to the fatal shooting of youth football coach Mike Hickmon, according to local Dallas television station WFAA. The 43-year old coach was reportedly shot and killed in front of his nine-year old son. An eyewitness claims that Aqib Talib was not happy about how the game was being officiated when he walked across the field to have a word with the refs, which started the altercation.

Coach Heith Mayes, a witness at the game, told WFAA,

“He ran across the field and ran over on our sideline and got in the ref’s face. He threw the first punch, and you see Mike trying to defend himself,” Mayes said.

Aqib’s brother Yaqub Talib is charged with shooting Hickmon. Video from the scene shows an argument and Coach Hickmon swinging something at a crowd of people dressed in black who were on the field. Witnesses told WFAA that Aqib Talib was allegedly among the group and his brother Yaqub is the one in the video who allegedly pulls out a gun and shoots the coach several times.

Aqib played in the National Football League for 12 seasons after being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2008. Aqib retired in 2020 as a member of the Denver Broncos. He spent four years with the Broncos before finally winning his only Super Bowl ring in 2016. Talib finished the last two seasons of his careers with the Los Angeles Rams in 2018-19.

The former five-time Pro Bowler joined Prime Video in June to become a studio analyst for Thursday Night Football games. Talib was set to join a host of other former NFL players, including Richard Sherman, Tony Gonzalez, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Aqib’s lawyer issued a statement after his brother, suspect Yaqub Talib, turned himself in to police.

“Aqib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life,” he said, in part.

Hickmon’s cousin, Toronda Alford, told media that both he and his wife witnessed the shooting. Alford demands justice be served.

“His son witnessed this as well as his wife. You took an innocent life. I will never understand that. I don’t care who he’s related to. I don’t care what he thought. Justice needs to be served. At least his kids can visit him. Mike’s kids can’t.”

Yaqub Talib’s attorney stated that his client turned himself in “so his side of the story could be told.”

“I think it’s going to be bedlam. There will be 50 people seeing 50 different things. I’ve talked to him, and I know what he saw. There are going to be some overtones of defense. That’s why Talib wanted to surrender now and get his story out there.”

A video of the fatal shooting was posted to social media.

WARNING: The video you’re about to see is sensitive & extremely graphic.

Sports Illustrated has more HERE.

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