Bob Rathbun appears to be on the mend.
Monday night, before the Hawks faced the Thunder, the Atlanta Hawks play-by-play announcer suffered a medical emergency while on-air. As color commentator Dominique Wilkins was speaking, Rathbun began convulsing and lost consciousness. The Hawks later announced that he had suffered a bout of dehydration and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
Tuesday, the Hawks and Bally Sports Southeast issued a statement saying that Rathbun is “in good spirits” and expected to leave the hospital today.
“Bally Sports play-by-play broadcaster for the Atlanta Hawks, Bob Rathbun, stayed in Emory Midtown Hospital in Atlanta overnight for observation and further tests,” the statement said. “As of this morning, all tests were very favorable and Bob is in great spirits. Upon completion of 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.”
The 68-year-old Rathbun has been calling Hawks games on TV since 1996.
Lauren Jbara, a host and reporter for the Hawks on the network, filled in for Rathbun on the fly.
Jbara tweeted well-wishes to Rathbun on Monday night.
“Thinking of you, @BobRathbunTV,” she wrote. “He is incredibly talented at his job and makes it look easy. Get well soon, Bob. We are sending prayers and hugs your way.”
This was the second time that Jbara had to pull snap play-by-play duty; she also filled in for Rathbun on about a half-hour’s notice last December after Rathbun tested positive for COVID-19.
The Hawks announced that Mike Conti will fill in on play-by-play for the next two games in Rathbun’s absence. Conti calls Hawks games on the radio.