Shaka Hislop is “thankful” for the support after his on-air breakdown during the Real Madrid vs. AC Milan game.
The 54-year-old was doing an interview before a game as a reporter for the US TV network ESPN when he tripped and fell.
Hislop said, “That was awkward,” in a video posted to Twitter on Monday.
“What a day and a half it’s been. Life gives you breaks every now and then, and this was mine.”
Hislop said, “My only choice now is to get the best medical advice I can and listen to what my doctors say.”
“I have a lot to be thankful for: my wife, my kids, my family, my loved ones, my friends, and the people I’ve known over the years but lost touch with for whatever reason and who have reached out to me either directly or indirectly. Thank you.”
Hislop, who got 26 caps for Trinidad and Tobago and played 121 games for West Ham in two stints from 1998 to 2002 and 2005 to 2006, also thanked his broadcasting colleagues for their help.
Hislop and Dan Thomas were calling the game between Real Madrid and AC Milan at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. When the station went to a commercial break, Dan Thomas asked for help.
It was about 30C in California on Sunday, but it’s not clear if the heat had anything to do with Hislop’s fall.
“I’d like to thank Dan and the rest of the ESPN family—the camera operators and the medical staff at the Rose Bowl—for how they answered and how well they took care of me. Hislop, who also played for Reading, Newcastle, and Portsmouth, said, “Thank you.”
“I now know that even when we fight and disagree, I have your full support, and I can’t wait to get back to doing what I like best.”