Aqib Talib Steps Away From Broadcasting "Thursday Night Football" Following Brother's Murder Charge

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Cornerback Aqib Talib #21 of the Los Angeles Rams exits the field following the Rams 55-40 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)

Aqib Talib Steps Away From “Thursday Night Football” Broadcasting Gig Following Brother’s Murder Charge

Iesha August 22, 2022 Sports Leave a comment

After his brother was accused of murder, Aqib Talib announced that is stepping away from his “Thursday Night Football” broadcasting gig on Amazon to devote more time to his family.

On August 13, a youth football coach was shot and killed during a fight that the former NFL defensive back, 36, and his brother Yaqub Talib, 39, are accused of instigating.

The Talib brothers, who jointly coach the North Dallas United Bobcats youth football team in Lancaster, Texas, are accused of starting a fight with rival coaches and officials. Aqib Talib is believed to have punched Dragons Elite Academy coach Mike Hickmon during a heated argument between the coaching staff.

Just spoke to Aqib Talib. In light of the recent tragedy, he is going to step aside from his broadcasting duties at Amazon to spend time with his family.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 22, 2022

Police say Yaqub Talib shot Hickmon, leaving him with wounds in his chest, back, and forearm. He later died in a hospital nearby.

After a murder warrant was issued for his arrest, Yaqub Talib eventually turned himself in to the authorities on August 15.

Several witnesses told WFAA in Dallas that Aqib Talib crossed the field to confront the referees, instigating the fight. He has not been charged.

According to a statement from Aqib Talib’s lawyer, Frank Perez, the former defensive back “is very distraught and devastated over this terrible loss of life.”

“He would like to convey his condolences to the victim’s family and to everyone who witnessed this unfortunate tragedy,” Perez added.