Last weekend during a youth football game in Lancaster, Texas, a suburb about 30 miles outside of Dallas, a coach was shot and killed after an incident with opposing coaches. Mike Hickmon was gunned down by Yaqub Talib, the brother of former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib.
While many thought this was a one-time thing, others were quick to point out that aggression has been the Talib brothers “MO” at youth football games. They’re overly sensitive and are quick to become confrontational. That aggression cost a man his life in front of his son.
Youth Leader Speaks Out On Talib Brothers
Dragon Elite Academy is a youth program that’s faced off against teams coached by the Talib brothers. Their president, Courtney Jackson, talked to the Dallas Morning News about his interaction with the brothers over the years.
“If you’ve been around the youth football world you know the Talib guys don’t like to lose and they give everybody a hard time,” Jackson told the newspaper last week. “I would call it rambunctious and overly aggressive. In the youth football world if somebody is crying about a call you might say stop whining or quit crying. They don’t laugh those things off. It gets personal with them.”
That seems to be what happened in this incident. Per reports, Aqib and his brother were berating a referee and Hickmon following a scrimmage. Things turned physical after Aqib threw a punch at Hickmon, and then Yaqub shot and killed him.
Coach mike Hickman played in the NFL for 8 years. Yaqub talib, bro of nfl vet Aqib Talib shot & killed mike after a fight broke out over a youth football game. I love sports much as the next person but fighting over a youth game is never ok!! So sad Prayers for family!! https://t.co/RTCocaAstj
— Chance Goff (@Chanceg88) August 14, 2022
Following the shooting, Aqib reportedly helped his brother get away. Soon after the tragedy, Aqib’s lawyer released a statement on behalf of his client via TMZ Sports.
“Aqib was present when this unfortunate incident occurred and is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life. He would like to convey his condolences to the family of the victim and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy.”
Aqib’s lawyer was trying to soften the blow in advance, but numerous reports state his client began the melee. After a manhunt for a few days Yaqub turned himself in.
Hickmon’s Family And Friends Want Aqib Talib Arrested
With the loss of life, Hickmon’s family and friends want all parties involved brought to justice. Calvin Smith-McKinney, a friend of Hickmon, told local station WFAA this.
“I honestly believe everyone that was attacking him should be at fault and held accountable. … He threw the first punch, and you can see Hickmon trying to defend himself.”
Video shows Talib going across the field to confront the refs and Hickmon. And that’s where the incident began.
Another friend, Lawrence Ellis, had this to say about Hickmon and the Talib brothers.
“You know we lost a great man that wanted to do good in the world. After seeing the video and how he was being pursued, I just don’t see how only one person can be charged in the matter.”
If Aqib started a fight that ended in another man’s death, even if he didn’t pull the trigger he should still be charged.
