The brother of a former NFL star is on the lam after allegedly gunning down a Texas youth football coach in front of his little boy in a fight over a game Saturday.
Yaqub Talib, 39, is wanted for murder after allegedly shooting Mike Hickmon dead after a kids’ game Saturday evening. Talib’s younger brother, former NFL star defensive back Aqib Talib, was reportedly at the game and witnessed the shooting, which was also caught on grim cellphone video.
“During the disagreement, the opposing coaching staff was involved in a physical altercation and one of the individuals involved in the altercation discharged a firearm striking one adult male,” Lancaster Police said in a statement.
Former NFL star Aqib Talib's brother, Yaqub Talib, is a wanted man in Texas — this after cops say he was involved in a fatal shooting at a youth football game this weekend.https://t.co/cBAD5ucp72
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 14, 2022
Shocked witnesses were horrified that a dispute over a game between children ages nine and under could end in the death of Hickmon, who coached the Dragon Elite Academy team. Hickmon’s nine-year-old boy is believed to have watched his father’s murder at the Lancaster Community Park in Dallas County.
“His son witnesses him get shot and murdered on the field,” fellow football coach Kerry Lewis told Fox 4. “These kids are innocent. They shouldn’t have to witness what they witnessed.”
Parents on the losing side were upset and blamed the referees. One spectator, possibly Talib, threatened to punch the referee, prompting the official to call an end to the game.
Cellphone video showed a man believed to be Talib confronting Hickmon as a melee breaks out on the field. At least five shots can be heard and then Hickmon is seen lying on the grass.
Aqib Talib, 36, a five-time Pro Bowl cornerback over a 12-year career that included stints with Tampa Bay, New England, Denver, and the Los Angeles Raiders, confirmed through his lawyer that he was at the youth game.
Former NFL star Aqib Talib apparently witnessed his brother fatally shooting a youth football coach Saturday in Texas. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
“Aqib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life,” his lawyer told TMZ. “He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy.”
Aqib Talib, who retired in 2020, is a commentator for Fox Sports.