ESPN Commentator Shaka Hislop Collapses During Live Broadcast

By Rebecca Luther
Shaka Hislop Faints Video Watch Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

ESPN analyst Shaka Hislop is "conscious and talking" after suddenly collapsing during the network's live soccer coverage on Sunday night.

As seen in the video below, Hislop and fellow ESPN personality Dan Thomas were leading the pre-game coverage of a friendly between AC Milan and Real Madrid on Sunday, when Hislop began to stumble and fell to the ground. Thomas yelled for assistance, and the broadcast quickly cut to commercial.

Thomas later offered an update on Hislop's condition at halftime, informing viewers that Hislop was awake and talking, and, frankly, "a little embarrassed about it all."

"He's apologized profusely," Thomas said with a laugh. "Not a man who likes people to make a fuss of him. Obviously, far too early to make any sort of diagnosis, but the important thing is that Shaka's conscious... Fortunately, we spoke to his wife, and things are looking OK."

JULY 25 UPDATE: Hislop has since addressed the incident himself via a video message (embedded above) that aired on Monday's ESPN FC.

"Well, that was awkward," Hislop began. "What a 24 hours this has been. Listen, every so often, life gives you a moment to pause, and this was mine. There's so much I have to be thankful for — my wife, kids, family, loved ones, friends, people I've shared a space with over the years and have lost touch with for whatever reason and have reached out either directly or indirectly. Thank you. 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.

"In closing, I'd like to say thanks to Dan and the ESPN family, the camera operators, the medical staff at the Rose Bowl, all who responded in the way that they did and afforded me the care that I got," he continued. "I know now that even when we argue and disagree, I have the fullest support of each and every one of you. I'm looking forward to getting back and doing what I enjoy doing most."

Prior to his gig at ESPN, Hislop enjoyed a long career in professional soccer as a goalkeeper. He most memorably played for Newcastle United, but was also a member of Reading, West Ham United, Portsmouth and FC Dallas throughout his pro career.

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