Aqib Talib Releases Statement After Brother's Murder Conviction

Aqib Talib released a statement after his brother, Yaqub, plead guilty to a murder charge.

Yaqub Talib, brother of former Denver Broncos Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib, will face up to 37 years in jail after pleading guilty to a murder charge, according to USA Today.

Scooby Axson reported. 

A Dallas County, Texas grand jury indicted Yaqub Talib on a murder charge in September 2022 after authorities say he shot Michael Hickmon during a youth football game in a Dallas suburb the month before.

According to multiple reports, Talib pleaded guilty this week and will receive a sentence of 37 years in prison. He will formally be sentenced on Aug. 7, where victim impact statements are also expected to be heard.

Aqib was present during the deadly incident, but Lancaster Police did not pursue criminal charges. However, after his brother plead guilty, Aqib released a statement on the tragic incident via his attorney, in which he addressed the death of Michael Hickmon.

"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."

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Per USA Today, sentencing is due on August 7 to decide how much time Yaqub will have to spend behind bars, but Aqib remains embroiled alongside his brother as a defendant in a separate civil lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages, which is centered around how the football game in question was organized.

Hickmon's family filed a lawsuit against multiple entities, including the Big XII Sports League and Family Services, accusing them of not providing enough security and failing to provide vet people who coach in the league.

Despite avoiding any criminal legal ramifications, whether or not the 37-year-old former All-Pro can restart his burgeoning broadcasting career remains unclear. Talib had impressed greatly as an NFL analyst and was due to start working on Amazon Prime's Thursday Night Football coverage in 2022, but he took a leave of absence following Hickmon's murder.

While it's by far the worst incident Talib has been linked to, it's not the first incident where he's had serious issues with firearms. Back in June of 2016, Talib allegedly shot himself in the leg by accident in a Dallas recreational park after a mysterious set of events. 

The incident caused Talib to miss the Broncos' official visit to the White House to celebrate their triumph in Super Bowl 50. He returned to the Broncos and played out the 2016 and 2017 seasons, earning a Pro Bowl nod each year despite the team failing to make the playoffs. Denver traded Talib to the Los Angeles Rams in 2018. 

Repairing his public image will be an incremental process for Talib, but dealing with his brother's impending long stay in jail will likely be his No. 1 priority moving forward. 

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