Stunned scenes in Cincinnati.
In the Bengals’ top game once morest the Buffalo Bills, Damar Hamlin collapsed in the first quarter following suffering cardiac arrest during the game and requiring CPR on the field.
The 24-year-old Safety 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 collapses on the pitch in the first quarter of the Bills at Bengals game and needs CPR
– Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and has to be hospitalized in critical condition
– Game abandoned as Bengals 7-3 Bills, NFL awaits Hamlin progress before further decision
+++ Buffalo Bills make official statement regarding Hamlin +++
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 providing an update on Hamlin. As a result, his condition stabilized and doctors put Hamlin to sleep so they might put a ventilation tunnel down his throat. Now there are probably some tests to be done.
Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapses following colliding with Bengals receiver Tee Higgins
Hamlin used a tackle on Bengals receiver Tee Higgins and quickly tried to get back up. He suddenly collapsed on himself. The Bills’ athletic trainers quickly came to the rescue before the seriousness of the situation was realized. Hamlin received cardiopulmonary resuscitation exercises lasting several minutes and was given oxygen.
Meanwhile, his teammates knelt around him and were visibly shocked. Hamlin’s family was escorted from the stands to the pitch. After 16 minutes of on-court treatment, it was decided that Hamlin would be 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. A few fans have gathered in front of the hospital and are praying 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.
