The veteran Dominion basketball player inexplicably collapses on the court during the NCAA basketball game against Georgia Southern, but was “responsive throughout and returned home with his team” … just days after Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest at MNF
An Old Dominion basketball player collapsed on the court in frightening scenes during an NCAA game against Georgia Southern on Saturday.
Sophomore Imo Essien slowly fell before trying to get it before the final collapse.
It was only moments before Essien was treated as he lay on the Georgia Southern floor with just over 13 minutes left in the first half.
Essien’s scary episode came just five days after Buffalo Bills safety went into cardiac arrest Monday night in Cincinnati against the Bengals.
Veteran Dominion basketball player Imo Essien collapsed on the court against Georgia Southern
Old Dominion’s Imo Essien collapsed during Saturday’s game but was able to leave the pitch and medical staff showed he was responsive throughout the incident.
No other medical information is known. Thank God he’s fine 🙏🏼
pic.twitter.com/zfnhayIEiE— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) January 9, 2023
The guard was immediately taken care of by coaches from both schools. Players from both teams were distraught, and multiple reports suggested some teammates cried as it unfolded.
Old Dominion issued a statement updating Essien’s status Saturday night following their 81-75 win at Peach State.
“Imo Essien was evaluated by ODU Athletic Training staff along with GA Southern medical staff,” the school said.
“He was responsive throughout and was able to sit with the team for the duration of the game and drive home with the team. He is in good spirits and will be working with the ODU Sports Medicine Staff when they return to Norfolk.’
Essien collapsed just over 13 minutes from time in the first half of the Monarchs’ win
According to WTKR, Essien was scheduled to see a cardiologist on Monday to assess his return to court for the Monarchs.
Head coach Jeff Jones told the North Carolina outlet that Essien’s “vital signs were normal and he never lost consciousness.”
The sophomore also underwent a COVID test, which came back negative.
Georgia Southern players alongside Essien’s Old Dominion teammates were initially distraught