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Old Dominion basketball player collapses on-court during NCAA basketball game vs. Georgia Southern

Jan. 9, 2023
Old Dominion basketball player collapses on-court during NCAA basketball game vs. Georgia Southern

An Old Dominion basketball player collapsed on-court during an NCAA game vs. Georgia Southern on Saturday in scary scenes.

Sophomore Imo Essien slowly fell down before trying to get it before ultimate collapsing.

It took just moments for Essien to be attended to as he lay on the Georgia Southern floor with just over 13 minutes left in the first half. 

Essien's frightening episode occurred just five days after Buffalo Bills safety went into cardiac arrest in Cincinnati against the Bengals on Monday Night Football. 

The guard was attended to with immediacy by trainers of both schools. Players from both teams were distressed, with multiple reports suggesting some teammates were crying as it unfolded.

Old Dominion issued a statement Saturday night following its 81-75 win in the Peach State, updating on the status of Essien. 

'Imo Essien was evaluated by the ODU Athletic Training staff along with the 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 drove home with the team. He is in good spirits and will work with the ODU Sports Medicine Staff when they return to Norfolk.' 

According to WTKR, Essien was set to visit a cardiologist Monday to assess his return to the 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. 


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