Former Premier League star and current ESPN broadcaster Shaka Hislop has spoken out after he collapsed while on live television.
The 54-year-old was on the broadcast team for the match between AC Milan and Real Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Sunday when he collapsed.
“Well, that was awkward. What a 24 hours this has been. Listen, every so often, life gives you a moment to pause, and this was mine,” a relaxed Mr. Hislop said on Monday in a video shared on Twitter.
“My response now has to be to seek out the best medical opinion that I can get and listen to what my doctors have to say,” he said in the minute-long video.
Just before the match began, Mr. Hislop was speaking to his co-host Dan Thomas when he stumbled backward before falling face forwards toward the ground. Mr. Thomas immediately called for aid, and Mr. Hislop was tended to by medical personnel.
Mr. Thomas later gave an update on Mr. Hislop’s health during the match. “Obviously my mate, Shaka, not here, but as it stands, it’s good news,” he said.
“He’s conscious, he’s talking. I think he’s a little embarrassed about it all. He’s apologised profusely. Not a man who likes people to make a fuss of him,” he said. “Obviously, far too early to make any sort of diagnosis.
Thankful for Help, Concern
In his video message, Mr. Hislop thanked all those who have reached out in concern over what occurred.
“I would like to say thanks to Dan and the ESPN family,” Mr. Hislop said.
“The camera operators, the medical staff, the Rose Bowl, all who responded in the way that they did and afforded me the care that I got, thank you.”
“I’m looking forward to getting back and doing what I enjoy doing most,” he said. “See you in a bit.”
Real Madrid went on to win the friendly match against AC Milan, 3-2. Federico Valverde scored twice in the second half, and Vinicius Junior scored the winning goal in the 84th minute for Real Madrid. Fikayo Tomori and Luca Romero both scored before halftime for AC Milan.
Temperatures in Pasadena, California, reached 91 degrees (32 degrees Celsius) on Sunday.
Mr. Hislop played as a goalkeeper at Newcastle from 1995 to 1998 before leaving on a free transfer. He played for West Ham from 1998 to July 2002 and transferred to Portsmouth until 2005. He played a short stint again in West Ham before signing for Major League Soccer team FC Dallas.
Following a back injury, Mr. Hislop retired from professional football and left FC Dallas in 2007.
