Former NFL Player Aqib Talib Reportedly Started Fight that Led to Shooting

Aqib Talib didn’t end the fight,  but reportedly he started it.

A fight that ended with Aqib Talib’s brother allegedly shooting and killing a youth football coach may have been started by the former NFL cornerback, according to witnesses at the scene. Witnesses have reportedly told Rebecca Lopez of Dallas’ WFAA that Talib instigated the fight by crossing the field to confront the referees. The fight soon escalated, with one witness, coach Heith Mays, saying Aqib Talib threw the first punch against Mike Hickmon, who was the man that was shot moments after.

Via WFAA:

”He ran across the field and got on our sideline and got in the ref’s face.”

“He’s the one that threw out the first punch, that’s why you see Mike is running back trying to defend himself.”

WFAA also has video of the brawl, in which a person identified as Talib can be seen striking a man trying to fight a group back with a down marker. Seconds later, a different man pulls out a handgun and shoots the man with the down marker. TMZ has another video which shows the scene preceding the fight.

Talib’s lawyer released a statement confirming his client was present at the shooting, saying he was “very distraught and devastated”:

“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.”

Yaqub Talib, was identified by Police as a suspect in the shooting on Sunday. Yaqub voluntarily surrendered at the Dallas County Jail on Monday and now faces murder charges, per WFAA.

His plans are to say the shooting was self defense. Over a youth football game argument, crazy.

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