Atlanta Hawks NBA sports commentator Bob Rathburn appeared to suffer from a sudden medical emergency during a live broadcast Monday night and had to be hospitalized after passing out court-side.
Hawks Announcer Bob Rathbun suffering medical emergency. Pray for him. pic.twitter.com/PXO0ePR9Ny
— Darrion Lincoln (@reddawg77089) December 6, 2022
Sixty-Eight-year-old Rathburn has been the voice of the Atlanta Hawks since 1996 and is an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster.
Rathbun was working with co-host Dominique Wilkins and listening to his analysis of the upcoming game when he suddenly began twitching, leaning back in his seat. The Hawks issued a statement via Bally Sports South saying that Rathbun was “stable and responsive” and being treated for dehydration at Emory Midtown Hospital in Atlanta.
Bally Sports Southeast's statement on Hawks Play-by-Play Announcer Bob Rathbun. pic.twitter.com/0llNTuyThz
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) December 6, 2022
On Tuesday, Bally Sports South tweeted an update saying Rathburn stayed in Emory Midtown Hospital in Atlanta overnight for observation and further tests. As of this morning, all tests were very favorable, and Bob is in great spirits. Upon completion of the remaining tests, Bob plans to be released from the hospital later today. Bob’s health is of the utmost concern to Bally Sports and the Atlanta Hawks, and he will return to the broadcast booth only after he is well-rested and fully recovered.
Bally Sports Southeast's latest update on Hawks Play-by-Play Announcer Bob Rathbun. pic.twitter.com/4IAaR7VICt
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) December 6, 2022
Twitter user Kelly Crull posted a follow-up tweet, “Great news everyone…just heard from our friend Bob Rathburn who assured me he is feeling much better, just physically exhausted. He’s hoping to be released from the hospital shortly and then he’ll be home resting. Keep those prayers coming and let’s get Bob back on his feet asap.”
GREAT news everyone…just heard from our friend Bob Rathbun who assured me he is feeling much better, just physically exhausted. He’s hoping to be released from the hospital shortly & then he’ll be home resting💜
Keep those prayers coming & let’s get Bob back on his feet asap🙏🏻— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) December 6, 2022