One week after his brother was booked on murder charges stemming from a melee at a youth football game in Texas, former NFL player Aqib Talib announced he was stepping away from his duties with Amazon’s Thursday Night Football.
Talib revealed the news to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“In light of the recent tragedy, he is going to step aside from his broadcasting duties at Amazon to spend time with his family,” tweeted Rapoport.
Talib’s decision comes after a fight that left a coach dead and families devastated.
According to witnesses, Aqib was upset about the referees.
Coach Heith Mayes, who was at the game and saw the fight, said that Aqib Talib started the altercation.
”He ran across the field and ran over on our sideline and got in the ref’s face,” said Mayes. “He threw the first punch, and you see Mike [Hickmon] trying to defend himself.”
Talib’s older brother, Yaqub, got involved and started shooting, eventually hitting and killing coach Mike Hickmon.
But Yaqub’s lawyer, who claims to have spoken with over 10 witnesses, said that his client was acting in self-defense and that Hickmon instigated the argument.
“Yaqub Talib acted in self-defense and defense of others,” said Clark Birdsall. “My client is not guilty. He looks forward to the day when he can have his day in court.”
According to Dallas TV station WFAA, Hickmon, 43, was a coach of Dragons Elite Academy. Yaqub and Aqib Talib are coaches for North Dallas United Bobcats.
Two days after the shooting, Yaqub surrendered himself at the Dallas County Jail and is now facing murder charges.
Aqib Talib’s attorney, Frank Perez, issued a statement in which Talib expressed his remorse.
“Aqib Talib 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.”
We will continue to keep you updated on this situation.
