The broadcaster who famously blocked Shaquille O'Neal from a unanimous NBA MVP award
In short: Fred Hickman was a foundational voice in cable sports, launching CNN's Sports Tonight in 1980. Beyond his decades of anchoring for networks like ESPN and YES, he is remembered for a single, controversial 2000 vote that denied Shaquille O'Neal the distinction of becoming the NBA's first-ever unanimous Most Valuable Player.
Born in 1956 in Springfield, Illinois, Hickman began his broadcasting journey in local radio before joining the nascent Turner Broadcasting System in 1980. Alongside Nick Charles, he helped define the nightly sports wrap-up format on CNN, creating a direct competitor to ESPN's SportsCenter. His career spanned major networks, including a stint at the YES Network where he anchored New York Yankees coverage, and later roles at ESPN and various regional affiliates.
Hickman’s professional legacy is often tied to a singular moment of journalistic independence. In 2000, as an NBA MVP voter, he cast his first-place ballot for Allen Iverson rather than the overwhelming favorite, Shaquille O'Neal. This decision prevented O'Neal from achieving a unanimous selection, a rare instance of a single voter shaping sports history. While Iverson finished seventh in the overall tally, the controversy highlighted the weight of individual voting power in major sports awards.
Throughout his career, Hickman received significant industry recognition, including CableACE awards in 1989 and 1993 and a New York Sports Emmy in 2004. He was also a versatile narrator, contributing to National Geographic specials on the Titanic recovery and serving as a master of ceremonies for prestigious honors like the Butkus and Eddie Robinson awards. In his later years, he transitioned into media training for athletes and coaching staff through his own firm.
Hickman passed away in 2022 at age 66. Before his death, he completed a memoir detailing his experiences in the industry, which was published posthumously in 2026. His life remains a testament to the evolution of sports media, from the early days of cable television to the digital age, leaving behind a career marked by both technical skill and moments of high-profile debate.
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