NBA Announcer Collapses and Convulses Live on Air (VIDEO)

Atlanta Hawks play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun suddenly lost consciousness and convulsed live on-air during a Hawks basketball game on Tuesday.

The shocking footage shows Rathbun and former Hawks player Dominique Wilkins discussing the upcoming game with the Oklahoma City Thunder when Rathbun suddenly leaned back and started having a seizure.

WATCH:

The New York Post reported:

Atlanta Hawks announcer Bob Rathbun suffered a scary medical emergency while on-air.

Prior to Monday night’s game against the Thunder, while color commentator Dominique Wilkins was speaking, Rathbun started convulsing and lost consciousness.

The Hawks said in a statement to The Post that the 68-year-old Rathbun was dehydrated, and is now “stable and responsive” while undergoing further treatment.

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

Bally Sports Southeast, which aired the Hawks game, said in a statement that Rathbun “briefly lost consciousness on the court” and 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 NBA has a strict COVID-19 jab policy that includes the requirement that court-side announcers be vaccinated.

Per ESPN:

The NBA informed teams Friday that all personnel under team control who work within 15 feet of players or referees during games will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the upcoming season, according to a memo obtained by ESPN.

The directive specifically includes coaches, front-office members and trainers but stops short of requiring all players to be vaccinated. Leaguewide vaccination of players is subject to negotiations with the National Basketball Players Association.

The NBA has set an Oct. 1 deadline for team personnel to be fully vaccinated and left open the possibility that it could require a booster shot at a later date, according to the memo.

The mandate applies to all personnel who will work near the court, including broadcasters, scoreboard operators, photographers and security personnel. Also required are all back-of-house operations, including locker room attendants, medical staff, equipment managers, and food and beverage handlers and providers.