The ESPN presenter collapsed on the touchline while covering Real’s pre-season friendly against AC Milan in California.
Former Premier League star and current ESPN broadcaster, Shaka Hislop, collapsed on live television during the AC Milan and Real Madrid match at the Rose Bowl on Sunday.
Shaka Hislop was providing coverage from the touchline alongside host Dan Thomas during the game in Pasadena, California, with temperatures reaching around 30 degrees. The alarming incident occurred during the game’s build-up. Co-host Dan Thomas immediately called for help, and emergency personnel tended to Hislop. Thomas provided an update on Hislop’s health later in the match.
In the video, the 54-year-old Hislop can be seen wobbling before falling forward into Thomas and onto the ground, prompting immediate concern on the touchline. Nearby workers rushed over to assist, and Thomas can be heard calling for help, saying, “Shak. Shak. We need some help.”
ESPN’s Response to Hislop’s Collapse and Health Update
ESPN swiftly cut to a break following Hislop’s collapse but later provided reassuring news for viewers, with an update on the condition of the former Trinidad and Tobago international.
“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. Not a man who likes people to make a fuss of him,” Thomas said. “Obviously, far too early to make any sort of diagnosis.”
He added, “But the important thing is that Shaka’s conscious and we spoke to his family as well because you can imagine seeing that happen live, there can’t be many more things that could scare you amongst the family. But fortunately, we spoke to his wife and things are looking OK.”
Having played over 250 Premier League matches for Newcastle, West Ham, and Portsmouth, Shaka Hislop enjoyed a distinguished playing career and has since become a beloved pundit in the USA following his retirement.
At half-time, AC Milan held a 2-0 lead with goals from Fikayo Tomori and Luka Romero. During this time, Thomas provided the update on Hislop’s condition. Real Madrid made eight changes at the break, and Federico Valverde’s quick-fire double leveled the score. However, Vinicius Jr’s 84th-minute goal secured a 3-2 victory for the Spanish side.