Shocking scenes in Cincinnati. Damar Hamlin collapsed in the first quarter of the Bengals’ top game once morest the Buffalo Bills. The safety went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated.
The 24-year-old was then transported to the hospital and placed in an artificial coma. The NFL announced that his condition was critical. The game was initially interrupted for an hour and then stopped completely.
What happened:
- Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the pitch in the first quarter of the Bills at Bengals game and had to be resuscitated.
- After suffering a cardiac arrest, the player was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
- Game abandoned with Bengals 7-3, NFL awaiting progress before making further decisions.
+++ Buffalo Bills make official statement regarding Hamlin +++
The Bills statement: Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest following a collision in the game once morest the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored and he was taken to the University of Cincinnati Hospital for further testing and treatment. He has been sedated and is in critical condition.
Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals. His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 3, 2023
The NFL and sports world is shocked, a close Hamlin confidante gives a first update.
Game abandoned at Bills at Bengals – close confidant of Hamlin comments on status
NFL insider Ian Rapoport retweeted a post from a close friend of the Bills player. Accordingly, his condition stabilized and the doctors put Hamlin to sleep so that they might put a ventilation access in his throat. Further tests are now pending.
Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapses following colliding with Bengals receiver Higgins
Hamlin set up a tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins and quickly tried to get back up. He suddenly collapsed. The Bills’ athletic trainers quickly came to the rescue before the seriousness of the situation was realized. Hamlin received CPR for several minutes, followed by oxygen.
Meanwhile, his visibly shocked teammates knelt around him. Hamlin’s family was escorted from the stands to the pitch. After 16 minutes of treatment on the court, Hamlin was taken to the University of Cincinnati Hospital in an ambulance.
NFL stars in shock
Bills receiver Stefon Diggs then spoke to the entire team. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor immediately ran to Bills coach Sean McDermott and consulted with the umpires.
After angry reactions on social media and severe criticism from ESPN expert and former NFL professional Booger McFarland (“Nobody is interested in football right now”), the NFL and its commissioner Roger Goodell then decided to abandon the game. At this point, the Bengals were leading 7-3 once morest the Bills.
The Bills are heading back to Buffalo except for a few players who would like to stay with Hamlin. Some fans then gathered in front of the hospital and prayed for Hamlin. According to ESPN, Bills receiver Diggs is said to have gone to the hospital.
NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said the Bills are returning to Buffalo tonight, but that some players are choosing to remain in Cincinnati to be near Damar Hamlin.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 3, 2023
The NFL wants to wait and see the situation before deciding how the game will be handled going forward.
There will be more updates on this topic here soon.
