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Is Bob Rathbun OK? Hawks announcer hospitalized after suffering scary medical emergency live on air

Rathbun, 68, and co-host Dominique Wilkins were previewing the matchup between City Thunder and Hawks when Rathbun began to convulse

This article contains content that could be traumatic for some readers. Discretion is advised.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: On the night of December 4, during the pre-game show between the Atlanta Hawks and Oklahoma City Thunder, viewers were left shocked and frightened when the Hawks' play-by-play commentator suffered a frightening medical emergency during the broadcast.

The incident occurred all too quickly as Bob Rathbun discussed the game alongside Dominique Wilkins for Bally Sports. While Wilkins was speaking, Rathbun appeared to lose consciousness, as he nearly fell back in his chair and convulsed uncontrollably. Medical personnel appeared to rush to his side to tend to him before the cameras cut off. He was quickly rushed to a hospital, where his condition was immediately treated. The Atlanta Hawks confirmed in a statement that Rathbun, 68, is doing better and is in "stable and responsive" condition at the hospital. The frightening incident was reportedly a result of dehydration.

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“Prior to tonight’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun briefly lost consciousness on the court,” the Hawks said in a statement. “Emergency medical professionals on-site quickly treated Rathbun for dehydration. He is stable, responsive, and heading to Emory Midtown for further evaluation.”

On the court, the Hawks lost to the Thunder, 121-114, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 35 points and Lauren Jbara filling in the last second. “I thought they were able to break down our defense early in the game and forced the defense to collapse and they had their kick-outs,” Hawks coach Nate McMillan stated, as per the outlet. “They established the tempo that they wanted to play and with that and our help in the turnovers and outworking us on the glass, it’s going to be tough to beat them.”

On the other hand, the drama intensifies between player Tare Young and Coach McMillan as it appears to be a tough time for the Hawks with Young sitting out Friday’s game after a heated exchange with McMillan. He made a comeback to the Hawks lineup on Monday and scored 23 points. However, it was not sufficient for Atlanta to hold onto a 14-point lead they had built in the third quarter.