Shaka Hislop speaks out after fainting during LIVE coverage for Milan-Real Madrid friendly in LA, thanks everyone for their concern and says he will follow doctor’s orders
- Hislop, 54, started wobbling in his mid-80s before falling over
- He posted a video on Monday saying he will listen to medical advice
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
ESPN commentator and former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has spoken out on Sunday’s live broadcast in Los Angeles for the first time since passing out.
“Well that was awkward,” a smiling Hislop said in a video posted to social media. ‘What a 24 hours this has been.
Although the 54-year-old London resident gave no details about why he collapsed ahead of the AC Milan-Real Madrid friendly at the Rose Bowl, Hislop appeared to be healthy a day after the incident.
“Listen, every now and then life gives you a moment to stop and this was mine,” he continued. “I have so much to be thankful for. Thank you to my wife, children, family, loved ones, friends, people I have shared a space with over the years and lost touch with for whatever reason and who have contacted directly or indirectly.”
Hislop was discussing Kylian Mbappé on the sidelines of Sunday’s friendly as he began to falter. The London native kept a smile on his face, but soon lost his footing and tumbled forward into broadcast partner Dan Thomas, who was visibly shaken.
Shaka Hislop has spoken out on Sunday’s live broadcast for the first time since passing out
Hislop collapsed during a Sunday night broadcast from California’s Rose Bowl.
The 54-year-old began to wobble before falling headfirst into broadcast partner, Dan Thomas
Thomas updated fans at half-time, saying Hislop was awake, responsive and a little embarrassed.
“My response now should be to seek the best medical opinion I can get and listen to what my doctors have to say,” Hislop said in the video posted Monday night.
Finally, I want to thank Dan and the ESPN family, the cameramen, the medical staff at the Rose Bowl – all of you who responded in the way and gave me the care I received. Thank you.
“I know now, even when we argue and disagree, that I have the full support of all of you. I look forward to getting back to doing what I love to do. See you soon.’
Hislop made over 100 appearances during his career for both Reading and West Ham and also represented Newcastle and Portsmouth before moving to television after his retirement in 2007.
There was an immediate wave of concern on social media following Hislop’s collapse, including a litany of messages from his former clubs and concerned fans.
Born in England in 1969, Hislop played for the Trinidad and Tobago national team. He started his career with Reading in 1992 and finished in the MLS with FC Dallas.
Hislop was part of the Newcastle team that pushed Manchester United to their limits in the title race in the 1995–96 season.
Hislop played for several Premier League clubs during his fine career, including West Ham
He was part of the Newcastle team that came desperately close to winning the PL in 1995-96
ESPN revealed that Hislop was “conscious” and was being examined by medics after the collapse
He then had two separate spells with West Ham from 1998-2002 and 2005-06, either side of helping Portsmouth to promotion to the Premier League.
Hislop’s last game for the Hammers was the famous FA Cup Final against Liverpool, which went to penalties after the Steven Gerrard-inspired Reds came from 3-1 before winning the shootout.
In addition to coaching goalkeepers at the University of Connecticut, Quinnipiac, he has also worked as a football 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 Beijing and 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.