A shocking scene took place Sunday during the Real Madrid-AC Milan friendly match at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, when ESPN broadcaster Shaka Hislop suddenly collapsed while commentating the match live on TV.
The panic began when Hislop suddenly seemed to lose consciousness on air while conversing with co-host, Dan Thomas. Thomas quickly called for an ambulance and quickly requested assistance in tending to Hislop’s health. Fortunately, it appears Hislop is in stable condition, having regained consciousness and apologised to Thomas for the incident.
“As it stands, it’s good news. He’s conscious, he’s talking. I think he’s a little embarrassed about it all. He’s apologized profusely,” Thomas revealed.
The temperature at the Pasadena stadium on Sunday was a scorching 91 degrees, and it has not been revealed if this contributed to Hislop’s incident in any way.
Hislop began his career in the Premier League with Newcastle in 1995. He had success when he moved to West Ham for four years until he transferred to Portsmouth and played until 2002. From 2003-2005, he played at FC Dallas in Major League Soccer. He may have retired from the field, but he clearly has not retired from the broadcasting booth—his sudden collapse a testament to his ongoing passion for the game.
Though the concern for Hislop is paramount, the match went on as planned. Real Madrid triumphed over AC Milan with an exciting 3-2 victory. Federico Valverde managed to score twice in the second half and Vinicius Junior scored the go-ahead in the 84th minute, with Fikayo Tomori and Luca Romero both scoring before halftime.
We can only hope for a speedy recovery for Shaka Hislop. It was clear that those in the broadcasting room were deeply affected by this sudden surprise, Thomas’ apology indicative of the shock seen throughout the studio. All of our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Hislop at this time.
Former West Ham and Newcastle goalkeeper Shaka Hislop is conscious and recovering after collapsing on air.#BBCFootball
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 24, 2023