Atlanta Hawks announcer Bob Rathbun suffered a scary medical emergency while on-air on Tuesday (AEDT).
Prior to Atlanta’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, colour commentator Dominique Wilkins was speaking when Rathbun started convulsing and lost consciousness while live on air.
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The Hawks said in a statement to the NY Post that the 68-year-old Rathbun was dehydrated, and is now “stable and responsive” while undergoing further treatment.
“Prior to tonight’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun briefly lost consciousness on the court,” the statement said.
“Emergency medical professionals on-site quickly treated Rathbun for dehydration. He is stable, responsive and heading to Emory Midtown (hospital) for further evaluation.”
Bally Sports commentator Kelly Crull tweeted: “For those watching Hawks tonight, thank you for your grace & keep prayers coming. Our partner Bob Rathbun briefly lost consciousness on the court.
“Emergency medical professionals quickly treated him for dehydration — he is stable, responsive & @ Emory Midtown for further evaluation.”
Sports writer Zach Osterman said: “Bob Rathbun is one of the nicest folks I’ve ever gotten to meet in this business. Unflinchingly kind. Hope the news out of Atlanta tonight keeps getting better.”
On the court, Atlanta’s Dejounte Murray scored 34 points and rookie A.J. Griffin — playing in place of late injury scratch Trae Young — tied his career high with 24 points as the depleted Hawks beat the Denver Nuggets 117-109.
Denver’s two-time defending MVP Nikola Jokic scored just four points in the first half before finishing with 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
This article originally appeared in the NY Post and was reproduced with permission.
