ESPN’s Shaka Hislop collapsed in scary live broadcast scene

ESPN soccer analyst Shaka Hislop is recovering after he collapsed during a live broadcast on Sunday night in an unsettling moment.

The former goalie fell toward co-host Dan Thomas while discussing AC Milan’s friendly with Real Madrid on the field at the Rose Bowl.

“ Shak! Shak! We need some help,” an unnerved Thomas was heard yelling on the broadcast. “We need medical!”


ESPN's Shaka Hislop collapsed during a pre-game talk with co-host Dan Thomas.
ESPN’s Shaka Hislop collapsed during a pre-game talk with co-host Dan Thomas.
ESPN

ESPN's Shaka Hislop collapsed during a pre-game talk with co-host Dan Thomas.
ESPN’s Shaka Hislop collapsed during a pre-game talk with co-host Dan Thomas.
ESPN

The broadcast quickly cut to commercial as medical personnel attended to the 54-year-old.

Thomas tweeted after kickoff that Hislop was conscious and in the care of medics and provided an optimistic update at the half.

“My mate Shaka, not here, but as it stands, it’s good news,” Thomas said. “He’s conscious, he’s talking. I think he’s a little embarrassed about it all, he’s apologized profusely. Not a man who likes people to make a fuss of him.”


Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shaka Hislop before the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal
Hislop joined ESPN in 2008, a year after retiring from being a professional keeper.
Newcastle United via Getty Image

Peter Crouch of England has his shot on goal saved by Trinidad & Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop. (
Hislop suited up for Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup.
Offside via Getty Images

“Obviously far too early to make any sort of diagnosis, but the important thing is, that Shaka’s conscious and we spoke to his family as well, because you imagine seeing that happen live. We spoke to his wife and things are looking OK.”

Hislop, who has five children with his wife Desha, suited up in the Premier League for Reading, Newcastle United, West Ham and Portsmouth as well as MLS’ FC Dallas during a 15-year professional career that ended in 2007.

He also played Internationally for Trinidad and Tobago during the 2006 World Cup.

The London native joined ESPN’s coverage as an analyst in 2008 and is a contributor to ESPN FC.