Former NFL star Aqib Talib's brother pleads guilty to murder in youth football shooting
Yaqub Talib, the brother of former NFL star Aqib Talib, has pled guilty to murder, according to a report from TMZ Sports. The shooting incident occurred at a youth football game in Aug. 2022.
Per the report, Yaqub, 40, agreed to the plea deal, resulting in a 37-year prison sentence. The formal sentencing will take place on Aug. 7.
An altercation unfolded during a youth football game in Texas last summer. The Talib brothers were upset with Michael Hickmon, who was coaching the opposing team.
When Hickmon attempted to grab the game ball, Aqib allegedly threw a punch. As things escalated, Yaqub then pulled out a handgun and shot multiple rounds, striking Hickmon.
Hickmon was rushed to a local hospital, where he died as a result of his injuries.
Following the incident, a representative for Aqib released a statement on the former NFL player’s behalf.
“Aqib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life,” the statement said. “He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy.”
The Lancaster Police Department released a statement after the shooting last August.
“Upon arrival, officers were notified of a disagreement among coaching staff and the officiating crew,” the statement reads. “During the disagreement the opposing coaching staff were involved in a physical altercation and one of the individuals involved in the altercation discharged a firearm striking one adult male. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment where he was later pronounced deceased.
“Officers have identified the suspect involved in this offense as a black male, Yaqub Salik Talib and there is an active warrant for his arrest.”
Eventually, Yaqub turned himself in to authorities.
Hickmon was the coach of the D.E.A. Dragons. Following his death, Dragons president Mike Freeman also released a statement.
“I don’t know how to explain it to the kids. That’s the part that I’m stuck on right now. How do I explain it to them? Why?” Freeman said. “This is something that these kids will remember for the rest of their life.”