ESPN Anchor Shaka Hislop Collapses During Sunday's Live Broadcast

ESPN soccer analyst Shaka Hislop collapsed during a live broadcast of friendly between Real Madrid and AC Milan on Sunday. Temperatures in the suburb of Pasadena, CA, where the match was held, topped 90 degree Fahrenheit. However, it's unclear if the heat was a contributing factor in Hislop’s collapse.

The incident occurred just after 7 P.M. local time, roughly six minutes before the match was to commence. Harrowing footage details the dramatic moment occurred live in front of ESPN’s cameras.

Hislop had been speaking on-air with his co-presenter Dan Thomas about players to watch for when the 54-year-old former Premier League goalkeeper suddenly swayed forward and then stumbled backward. Initially, it appeared as though Hislop was simply adjusting his stance before speaking; as he seemed amused by Thomas’ remarks.

But then suddenly, Hislop lurched forward and collapsed next to Thomas, who immediately dropped to the ground beside him. “I need some help! I need medical,” Thomas could be heard yelling into his microphone as people rushed onto the field to assist. Seconds later, the network momentarily cut the broadcast’s feed.

Fortunately, it seems that Hislop is making a speedy recovery and is already well on his way to healing.

At 7:15 P.M. PST, less than 10 minutes after the incident, Thomas made a statement on Twitter confirming that his co-host was all right. “Shaka is conscious. The medics are looking after him,” Thomas reported.

Just before 8:30 P.M., Thomas appeared on-air to offer an update about Hislop. “Obviously my mate Shaka, not here, but as it stands it’s good news. He’s conscious. He’s talking. I think he’s a little embarrassed about it all," he explained. "He’s not a man who likes people to make a fuss of him."

“Obviously it’s far too early to make any sort of diagnosis,” Thomas continued. "But the important thing is Shaka’s conscious.”

Thomas also mentioned that he and others had contacted Hislop’s family, who had apparently seen him collapse on television. “There couldn’t be many more things that would scare you amongst a family,” Thomas added. “But we spoke to his wife and things are looking OK.”

Commentator Adrian Healey further addressed the matter during the game. “He has recovered… We’ve been told in definitive terms that he is okay.”

Hislop played in more than 100 matches for Reading and West Ham during his storied career. He was also featured as the starter for the Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s national team during the 2006 World Cup. With his retirement in 2007, he segued into presenting work on television.

On Monday morning, Hislop’s former teams Newcastle United and Reading tweeted out messages of support to the soccer star.

“Wishing you a speedy recovery, [Shaska Hislop],” Newcastle’s statement read.

Meanwhile, Reading FC Tweeted an action shot of Hislop on the field. “Our thoughts, wishes, and love are with [Shaka Hislop],” the caption read. “Get well soon.”