NBA star LeBron James hailed the NFL’s decision to call off Monday night’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals after Bills safety Damar Hamlin he collapsed on the field and was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, adding that player safety «is always top of mind.»
following the los angeles lakers‘ 121-115 over the Charlotte Hornets, James was asked by a reporter during his postgame press conference about his thoughts on the incident that took place during the first quarter of the game.
LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 28, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
(Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
“Obviously I don’t know what happened, I saw the play, but I don’t know exactly what happened. My thoughts and super prayers go up to heaven for that kid’s family, for him, for that NFL brotherhood and they are all part of the NFL family,» said a solemn James.
BILLS GATHER FOR TEAM PRAYER ON FIELD AFTER DAMAR HAMLIN’S INJURY
«It’s definitely the right decision of whoever made that call: [NFL Commissioner] Roger Goodell or whoever had the opportunity, the authority to make that suspension call — player safety in all sports is always top of mind.»
Mitch Morse #60 of the Buffalo Bills consoles Tre’Davious White #27 after Damar Hamlin #3 suffered an injury during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on January 2. January 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
(Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
He continued: «It was a terrible thing to watch and I just wish the best for that kid, for the city of Buffalo, for the Bills franchise and, like I said, for the rest of the NFL as well and also for the Bengals who was there and playing in that game
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Hamlin, 24, was taken off the field by an ambulance and transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center around 9:25 p.m. Tee Higgins wide receiver for the Bengals.
Around 10 p.m. ET, the NFL announced that play had been suspended and that Hamlin was listed in critical condition.
Buffalo Bills players react as teammate Damar Hamlin is examined during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Cincinnati.
(AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
«Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field from the team, independent medical personnel and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition,» the league statement read.
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«Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available.»
Players and teams across the league posted messages on social media expressing concern for Hamlin’s well-being.