ESPN broadcaster Shaka Hislop, 54, collapsed during a live broadcast Sunday, Fox News reported. Hislop, a former player for the English soccer Premier League, was reporting from the Rose Bowl on a match between AC Milan and Real Madrid.
Co-host Dan Thomas was speaking to Hislop when the soccer analyst stumbled and fell to the ground. Thomas immediately called out for assistance, and emergency responders rushed in to help.
Following the ordeal, Thomas gave an on-air update on his colleague. "As it stands, it’s good news," Thomas said later in the match.
"He’s conscious; he’s talking. I think he’s a little embarrassed about it all," he added.
"He’s apologized profusely. Not a man who likes people to make a fuss of him," Thomas continued.
"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 can imagine seeing that happen live," Thomas said.
"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," Thomas concluded.
While the cause of Hislop's illness is unknown, temperatures in Pasadena, California, surpassed 90 degrees that day. The rest of the match went off without a hitch, and Madrid beat AC Milan 3-2.
On Monday, Hislop appeared in a video statement to thank his family, friends, and supporters, ESPN reported. "Well, that was awkward. What a 24 hours this has been," Hislop began.
"That was big. Every so often, life gives you moments to pause and this was mine. There is so much I have to be thankful for, my wife, kids, family, friends, for people I've shared a space with over the years," Hislop continued.
"To all those that I've lost touch with over the years that have reached out either directly or indirectly, thank you. My response now has to be to seek out the best medical opinion I can get and listen to what my doctor has to say," the broadcaster concluded.
Hislop became an ESPN soccer analyst in 2008 after a long and successful career in the sport. He was the goalie for Newcastle, Portsmouth, and West Ham in England as well as the national team for Tobago and Trinidad.
The broadcaster's medical emergency happened just a day before Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, collapsed from a cardiac arrest during a workout, Fox News reported. The 18-year-old was revived and is in stable condition, but there's no word on what caused his heart to stop suddenly.
Medical emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere. However, it seems to be occurring more often in view of the public to high-profile individuals with no explanation.
