ESPN touchline reporter and former Trinidad and Tobago and Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop startled viewers by fainting in the middle of an on-air report at Sunday’s AC Milan-Real Madrid friendly in Pasadena, California.
The 54-year-old began wobbling before falling forward into his broadcast partner, Dan Thomas, sparking immediate panic on the touchline.
The weather in Pasadena on Sunday was in the mid-80s, according to Accuweather.com, but it’s unclear if that played a factor.
ESPN quickly cut to a break after Hislop’s collapse. The network later updated viewers, saying that Hislop was ‘conscious’ and being examined by medics on the pitch.
‘My mate, Shaka, not here, but as it stands, it’s good news,’ a visibly relieved Thomas told viewers at halftime. ‘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.
Shaka Hislop (left) collapsed in the middle of an on-air report on Sunday night in Pasadena
The 54-year-old began wobbling before falling forward into his broadcast partner
ESPN’s Dan Thomas was clearly panicked as his broadcaster partner fainted in front of him
‘Obviously far too early to make any sort of diagnosis, but the important thing is, that Shaka’s conscious and we spoke to his family as well, because you imagine seeing that happen live.
‘We spoke to his wife and things are looking OK,’ Thomas concluded, before joking: ‘Silly, Shaka.’
There was an immediate outpouring of concern on social media following Hislop’s collapse.
‘Much love to Shaka Hislop and all at ESPN tonight,’ the Men in Blazers tweeted. ‘Terrifying to witness. Wishing all strength and a speedy return to health for the big man.’
‘Sending thoughts and prayers to Shaka Hislop after he passed out live on the ESPN broadcast of AC Milan vs. Real Madrid,’ read a fan tweet. ‘Glad to hear he’s conscious now, and the medics are looking after him.”’
‘Positive thoughts going out to Shaka Hislop,’ read another. ‘Hoping it’s just the heat.’
Host Dan Thomas gives an encouraging update on longtime ESPN analyst Shaka Hislop, who passed out live on-air during AC Milan-Real Madrid pregame coverage. pic.twitter.com/3y256pu6W2
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 24, 2023
ESPN later revealed that Hislop was ‘conscious’ and being examined by medics on the field
Born in England, Hislop played for Trinidad and Tobago’s national team, as well as several English and American clubs.
He began his career with Reading in 1992 before moving on to Newcastle, West Ham, Portsmouth, and later the MLS’ FC Dallas.
In addition to coaching goalkeepers at Quinnipiac, a university in Connecticut, he has also worked as a soccer analyst for The Guardian and as a commentator for ESPN FC.
Hislop is the cousin of American sprinter Natasha Hastings, who won Olympic gold in the 4X400 relay at the 2008 games in Beijing and 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro.
