By R. Alexander Núñez
A match of the National Basketball League in the Dominican Republic was interrupted unexpectedly after a medical emergency that forced the actions on the field to stop. The referee Erick Martínez collapsed during the match between the Reales de La Vega and the Héroes de Moca, after suffering a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) while carrying out his duties.
The situation generated a rapid reaction within the premises. Players from both teams, along with the deepest doctor present, immediately came to assist the judge, who was removed from the scene in a coma before being transferred to a health center in La Vega, a city in the central region of the Caribbean nation.
Hours later, the National Basketball League reported on the referee’s progress through an official statement. According to the report, Martínez remains admitted to the intensive care unitwhere remains under medical observation with a guarded prognosisalthough within a stable clinical condition, reported The National.
Last night, during the Reales-Héroes match in La Vega, there was a moment of great nervousness and concern when referee Erick Martínez began to walk with difficulty and seemed to lose consciousness, which forced him to receive immediate attention from the workers of both… pic.twitter.com/Jxvm0jX76d
— Antonio Puesán (@antoniopuesan) Might perchance well also 2, 2026
Medical care and reaction in the sports environment
The incident occurred on Friday night in the middle of the development of the match, forcing the referee’s work to be suspended at that moment. The initial care on the field was key to stabilizing him before his transfer to the hospital.
According to press information, the referee continues to receive specialized care while he remains in the intensive care unit. His condition is constantly monitored by the medical team in charge.
Doctor Luis Reyes offered details about the health status of referee Erick Martínez, who fainted last night during a match of the @lnbrdoficial @realesdelavega pic.twitter.com/YsgJAUIQtY
— Fiebruces Radio Demonstrate (@fiebrucesrs) Might perchance well also 2, 2026
Relatives also spoke about his condition. William RamosMartínez’s uncle and coach of the Mauricio Baez Clubconfirmed that the referee is being treated at a hospital in La Vega, where his recovery process continues.
The episode generated concern within the Dominican basketball environment, especially due to the seriousness of the situation presented in the middle of a sporting event. The immediate intervention of those on the field allowed us to act quickly in a critical situation.
Keep reading:
· Luka Doncic would not be ready for second round playoff series
· The Los Angeles Lakers enter the NBA Western semifinals
· Wembanyama, the first unanimous NBA Defender of the Year
