Basketball fans were shocked when a well-known announcer suffered an on-screen “medical episode” moments before Monday’s NBA game began.
The incident occurred as veteran announcer Bob Rathbun, 68, was co-hosting the pregame show with analyst and Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins.
While Wilkins was talking about the upcoming game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Oklahoma City Thunder, Rathbun began shaking, then fell backward and passed out.
Bally Sports South reporter Lauren Jbara quickly stepped in to co-host the game.
After the game, Jbara tweeted her support of her fellow broadcaster”:
“Thinking of you, @BobRathbunTV. He is incredibly talented at his job and makes it look easy. Get well soon, Bob. We are sending prayers and hugs your way.” 🤍
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Rathbun is in “stable condition after being treated courtside and taken to Emory Midtown Hospital.”
The outlet also noted that Rathbun was “alert when he received treatment from medical staff inside Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.”
A statement from Bally Sports Southeast noted:
“Prior to tonight’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun briefly lost consciousness on the court. Emergency medical professionals on-site quickly treated Rathbun for dehydration. He is stable, responsive, and heading to Emory Midtown for further evaluation.”
Bally Sports sportscaster Kelly Crull thanked the medical team for their quick response and viewers for their concern, tweeting:
“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.”
Hawks all-star guard Trae Young tweeted after the game: “You’re in all our prayers @BobRathbunTV Speedy Recovery.”
The Daily Wire noted that Rathbun has served as “the voice of the Hawks since 1996.” In addition to serving as a commentator for Atlanta’s WNBA Dream games, Rathbun is an author, a motivational speaker and the host of the weekly “Fast Forward” podcast.
The outlet noted that the “Fast Forward” podcast “interviews thought leaders from all walks of life to help listeners with personal and professional success.”
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