Hickman was at CNN from the beginning, and hosted “Sports Tonight” with Charles on the network on its first day on the air in 1980. The duo thrived, frequently competing with ESPN’s “Sports Center” during his 21 years with CNN and Turner. Hickman also hosted the first version of “Inside the NBA” on TNT during the 1989-90 season alongside stars like Craig Sager, Hannah Storm, Tim Brando and Vince Cellini.
Hickman is also responsible for then-Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal not being a unanimous MVP winner in 2000. Hickman was the lone media member to vote for someone other than O’Neal, instead choosing Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson.
Hickman then jumped to the YES Network in 2001, where he helped it launch and was the first anchor on the air the following year. Hickman also spent time with ESPN, where he was a “SportsCenter” anchor for four years, and with Fox, where he was a host for Atlanta Braves broadcasts. Most recently, Hickman worked as the anchor and managing editor at Black News Channel.
TRIBUTES from ESPN NEWS ANCHOR
So very sad to hear about the passing of Fred Hickman. I was the only female anchor at CNN Sports, and Fred was such a welcoming presence…always with a laugh, a quip, a story…and supremely talented. Rest In Peace, my friend