While Hickmon’s family desires Aqib Talib arrested, group advocates want extra security measures at youth sporting occasions.
LANCASTER, Texas — Coach Mike Hickmon was cherished, revered and needed to be a constructive function mannequin. His greatest friends are speaking for the primary time.
“You know we misplaced an ideal man that needed to do good on the earth,” stated Lawrence Ellis, Hickmon’s buddy.
His friends say they want everybody concerned within the battle earlier than Coach Hickmon’s homicide additionally held accountable, together with prices in opposition to former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib.
“I actually consider everybody that was attacking him needs to be at fault and held accountable,” stated Calvin Smith McKinney, Hickmon’s buddy.
In a video obtained by WFAA, you may see Talib stroll throughout the sphere to the opposite sideline after the opposite group scores a landing.
Witnesses say he confronted the referees and Coach Hickmon.
Multiple witnesses have advised WFAA it’s Aqib who escalated the scenario.
“He threw the primary punch and you see Mike attempting to defend himself,” stated Smith McKinney.
Police say Aqib’s brother Yaqub Talib fired a number of photographs killing Hickmon in entrance of kids and dad and mom.
“After seeing the video and how he was being pursued, I simply don’t see how just one particular person could be charged within the matter,” stated Ellis.
WFAA has discovered this video has now been turned over to police and extra witnesses are being interviewed. Aqib Talib’s lawyer advised WFAA he’s distraught over the capturing and sends condolences to the family.
Meanwhile, group leaders with Urban Specialists and different teams held a news convention demanding extra security measures at youth sporting occasions.
“No weapons, no medicine, no smoking and no alcohol,” stated Terrance Randolph with Urban Specialists.
They say they want luggage checked, extra off-duty law enforcement officials working the video games and for folks to talk out once they see one thing.
“We are additionally going to say to those that commit violence within the areas the place kids are at we’ll name I n and make certain police arrest you,” stated Tabatha Wheeler with Urban Specialists.
They additionally want youth athletic leagues to supply battle decision applications for fogeys, coaches and athletes.
“So many kids that were at the event Saturday witnessed something they will never be able to unsee and could have been resolved if the adults knew how to resolve conflict,” stated Tim Jackson with Real Youth Mentoring.
Community advocates stated adults need to be the instance and educate kids the worth of others.
“It all comes right down to respect if we don’t respect one another it gained’t occur. We are killing one another behind nothing,” stated Randolph.
Community advocates and Coach Hickmon’s family and friends say his life gained’t be in useless and that they’ll demand justice but additionally adjustments that can make it safer for youths who simply want to play ball.
story by The Texas Tribune Source link
