The start of the San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies game was delayed due to a fan getting medical attention courtside, with several reports of the person receiving CPR.
Monday’s game was taking place at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, and the game was about to tip off when it was delayed for the individual in distress. Reporters at the game said on social media it appeared a man courtside passed out, and emergency services were on the scene. Video shared on social media showed medical personnel administering CPR to the fan as officials waited on the court, and other spectators looked on.
The Grizzlies huddled up and prayed as the scene was unfolding.
Both teams were sent to their locker rooms as emergency services continued. Video showed the fan being taken out of the court on a stretcher as arena workers tried to cover the person as he was escorted out.
‘Just prior to the start of tonight’s game, a fan sitting courtside suffered a medical emergency,’ a Grizzlies spokesperson said, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, part of the USA TODAY Network. ‘We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the individual involved and are thankful to the first responders and medical staff who provided the necessary care. The start of the game commenced after a delay.’
San Antonio and Memphis eventually came back out and took part warm-ups. The delayed tip-off time was around 8:50 p.m. ET. The status of the fan was not revealed.
(This story was updated with additional information.)
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.