Sportscaster Bob Rathbun has been with Atlanta Hawks for almost 4x as long as the current owner has been with the team. Rathbun has been the play-by-play announcer for Atlanta Hawks games since 1996. He is beloved by the fans and the organization. And on Monday, he suffered a very scary medical emergency on-air.
According to an official statement from Bally Sports, Bob Rathbun ‘briefly lost consciousness on the court.’ Medical officials sprinted to his side as cameras panned away. He was then taken to Emory Midtown hospital in Atlanta where he was treated for dehydration.
Bally Sports Southeast's statement on Hawks Play-by-Play Announcer Bob Rathbun. pic.twitter.com/0llNTuyThz
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) December 6, 2022
The video of Bob Rathbun’s on-air medical emergency can be seen below along with prayers and well-wishes from the NBA community including Trae Young and Bob’s colleagues. As mentioned above, Bob briefly loses consciousness and that may be considered disturbing to some. So you can scroll past the video to see the outpouring of love and support from the NBA world.
NBA World Wishes Bob Rathbun A Speedy Recovery
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young sent out prayers for Bob Rathbun:
You’re in all our prayers @BobRathbunTV Speedy Recovery🙏🏽💯
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) December 6, 2022
ESPN’s Elle Duncan sent love and healing thoughts:
Sending healing thoughts to Hawks announcer @BobRathbunTV who passed out during the gm last night! Word is he’s stable and ok! Love you Bob, be well!
— Elle Duncan (@elleduncanESPN) December 6, 2022
Bob’s Bally Sports colleagues sent prayers:
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 🤍
— Lauren Jbara (@laurenjbara) December 6, 2022
The outpouring of love for Bob Rathbun on social media is immense. If it wasn’t obvious before it’s clear now just how much of an impact he’s had on his colleagues and field of work:
Prayers are out tonight to my good friend, @ATLHawks @BobRathbunTV who suffered from dehydration tonight before Hawks’ game. 🙏🏻🏀🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/g1zbRnVeQg
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) December 6, 2022
Hope @BobRathbunTV is ok. One of the nicest, most friendly, genuine people in the NBA. https://t.co/arQJ40vQtq
— Shlomo Sprung (@SprungOnSports) December 6, 2022
We are all wishing Rathbun a speedy recovery here.