ESPN commentator and former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has spoken out for the first time after fainting during a live broadcast in Los Angeles. In a video posted on social media, Hislop thanked everyone for their concern and stated that he would listen to medical advice. The 54-year-old did not provide specifics about why he collapsed prior to the AC Milan-Real Madrid friendly, but he appeared to be healthy the day after the incident. Hislop expressed gratitude for his wife, children, family, friends, and all those who reached out to him.
During the live broadcast, Hislop was discussing Kylian Mbappé when he began wobbling and eventually fell forward into his broadcast partner, Dan Thomas. Thomas later updated fans, stating that Hislop was awake, responsive, and a bit embarrassed. In his video message, Hislop acknowledged ESPN, the camera operators, and the medical staff at the Rose Bowl for their care and support. He pledged to seek the best medical opinion and to follow his doctors’ advice. Hislop expressed his appreciation for the outpouring of concern and stated that he looked forward to getting back to what he enjoys doing most.
Hislop, who played over 100 games for both Reading and West Ham, retired from professional football in 2007 and later joined ESPN as a commentator. He received an immediate outpouring of concern on social media, with posts from his former clubs and fans expressing their support. Born in England in 1969, Hislop also played for Trinidad and Tobago’s national team. He had a successful career playing for several Premier League clubs, including West Ham and Newcastle, where he was part of the team that narrowly missed out on winning the league title in the 1995-96 season.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Hislop has coached goalkeepers at Connecticut college, Quinnipiac, and worked as a football analyst for The Guardian. He is the cousin of American sprinter Natasha Hastings, who won Olympic gold in the 4X400 relay in 2008 and 2016.
