Hawks broadcaster Bob Rathbun progressing in recovery after on-air medical emergency

Kyle Irving

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Hawks broadcaster Bob Rathbun progressing in recovery after on-air medical emergency image

The Hawks face off against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday and the game will be broadcast by ESPN.

If you hear the ESPN broadcast give thoughts and prayers to Bob Rathbun, it's because on Tuesday, the Hawks broadcaster suffered a medical emergency on air. Rathbun was doing the pregame show alongside analyst and Hawks legend Dominque Wilkins when he appeared to be distressed mid-conversation.

He was taken to the back of State Farm Arena to be treated by the medical staff before being rushed to the hospital.

Bally Sports released a statement shortly thereafter, confirming that Rathbun "lost consciousness" before being taken to Emory Midtown for further evaluation. They said that Rathbun was being treated for dehydration and that he was stable and responsive before being transported for further evaluation.

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The next day, on Wednesday, Bally Sports gave another very encouraging update, announcing that Rathbun has been released from the hospital after all of his tests "were very favorable" and that Bob was "in great spirits."

Hawks players like Trae Young and Bogdan Bogdanovic reached out to Rathbun via Twitter, praying for the Hawks' announcer to get well soon.

MORE: Trae Young, head coach Nate McMillan clash at practice

As mentioned in the Bally Sports statement, Rathbun will return to the broadcast booth "only after he is well rested and fully recovered."

Who is Bob Rathbun?

Rathbun has served as the Hawks' play-by-play announcer since 1996. He has also served as a play-by-play commentator for ACC college basketball and football games for Raycom Sports.

Rathbun also called games for the Atlanta Braves and has done broadcast work for the Baltimore Orioles and the then Washington Bullets. 

Rathbun got his start as a sports director in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1973.

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.