Atlanta Hawks announcer Bob Rathbun suffered a medical emergency on air Monday night.
Cameras rolled as Rathbun and analyst Dominique Wilkins previewed the Hawks’ upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the middle of the conversation Rathbun began shifting his paper and microphone from one hand to another as his hand began to tremble. Seconds later, both items fell to the ground and Rathbun slouched backward in his chair. His entire body began to tremble and he seemed to be convulsing, as seen here.
Atlanta Hawks announcer Bob Rathbun was taken to the hospital after suffering a frightening medical emergency while on air before the team’s game against the Thunder on Monday night. https://t.co/aaGPFCKfig
— TMZ (@TMZ) December 6, 2022
Wilkins seemed unaware of the situation at first and carried on with his conversation for a few seconds before he realized the emergency that was unfolding right next to him. Medical professionals quickly came to aid Rathbun, who was rushed to the hospital for immediate care.
The Hawks family later came forward to reveal that the 68-year-old announcer was suffering from dehydration and was undergoing further treatment in hospital, according to a statement to the New York Post. The team told fans that Rathbun would soon be on the mend.
“Prior to tonight’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun briefly lost consciousness on the court,” the statement read, according to the Post.(RELATED: Nick Cannon Hospitalized With Pneumonia)
Bally Sports Southeast’s statement on Hawks Play-by-Play Announcer Bob Rathbun. pic.twitter.com/0llNTuyThz
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) December 6, 2022
“Emergency medical professionals on-site quickly treated Rathbun for dehydration. He is stable, responsive and heading to Emory Midtown for further evaluation,” the Hawks said.
Hawks sideline reporter Lauren Jbara filled in as play-by-play announcer in Rathbun’s absence.