During the pre-match telecast of the Real Madrid vs. AC Milan friendly at the Rose Bowl on Sunday, ESPN broadcaster Shaka Hislop collapsed, causing concern and uncertainty among viewers.
However, in a video released on Monday, Hislop assured his fans and well-wishers that he is taking necessary steps to address the incident and his health.
Expressing gratitude to his family and loved ones, Hislop reflected on the incident and the importance of appreciating life’s moments. He stated, “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. 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 I’ve lost touch with for whatever reason who have reached out either directly or indirectly. Thank you.“
After the collapse, Hislop received immediate medical attention from emergency personnel, and co-host Dan Thomas was quick to call for help. The cause of the sudden collapse remains unclear, but given the high temperature of 91 degrees in Pasadena, California, that day, it’s possible that the weather may have played a role.
Hislop’s health concerns prompt reflection
Shaka Hislop is renowned for his illustrious soccer career, having played as a goalkeeper for Newcastle from 1995 to 1998, and later for West Ham and Portsmouth. His final two years on the field were with FC Dallas in Major League Soccer. His experience and expertise in the sport have made him a valued ESPN broadcaster, but this health scare has prompted him to prioritize his well-being.
In the video message, Hislop mentioned that his next course of action would be to “seek out the best medical opinion” and listen to his doctors’ advice about what happened to him. While the sports community is concerned about his health, they are hopeful that he will recover swiftly and return to the commentary box soon.
Meanwhile, the Real Madrid vs. AC Milan friendly match continued despite the unsettling incident. Real Madrid emerged victorious with a thrilling 3-2 win over AC Milan. Federico Valverde was the star of the match, scoring twice in the second half, while Vinicius Junior secured the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute. AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori and Luca Romero also found the back of the net before halftime, making it an action-packed encounter for fans.