Getty ImagesAfter the Falcons pulled off a come-from-behind win over the Panthers, Atlanta coach Mike Smith gave the franchise a much bigger scare.
Smith ended up at a Charlotte-area hospital after becoming ill on the team plane. He was checked for a possible heart attack.
“It was not a heart attack,” G.M. Thomas Dimitroff told Peter King of Football Night In America. “Everything came out negative with the tests.”
Smith wasn’t feeling well on the plane, which was delayed due to other air traffic. The Falcons decided to take Smith off the plane and have him checked by paramedics. The paramedics suggested that Smith be examined at a hospital.
“He’s in good spirits and we’re relieved,” Dimitroff said.
UPDATE 10:52 p.m. ET: The Falcons have issued a statement regarding the situation. “Following the Falcons game vs. Carolina today, Head Coach Mike Smith was transported to a hospital in Charlotte for a non-emergency matter,” the team said. “Coach Smith is resting comfortably, his tests reaffirmed his health, and he is expected to be in Atlanta on Monday. The Falcons will provide further information as it becomes available.”
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I want to hear about Tony Romo.
OMG. Get well Mike Smith. Safe travels back to Atlanta.
Probably afraid he is going to get fired.
I had one of those from watching the Denver game.
the dude is a damn decent human being. pretty good coach too…they made my panthers look retarded today and coaching had a lot to do with it. i hope he’s okay.
Wishing him the best. His health is more important than this game
glad he is ok!
Good to hear he’s okay.
Glad to hear he’s ok.
The first three comments progressively build upon one another.
ahh nevermind about that one.
I bet jason garrett has alot of these moments
Glad all is OK, Smitty.
For what it’s worth, todays game almost gave me a heart attack too.
When did he start coaching the Broncos?
Good news for a good Guy, hopefully he doesn’t have this problem again
Good to read he is OK. Didn’t Rex Ryan have a similar experience a couple weeks ago? Stress, eating and plane rides don’t mix well.
James Harrison can expect a fine.
skinsrock says:
Dec 11, 2011 10:12 PM
Probably afraid he is going to get fired.
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I wasn’t paying attention & I thought Atlanta lost… my bad.
No doubt, rest up Coach Smith!
Thank goodness he’s okay. All these close games will get you after a while.
Turns out that the bright red glow emanating from Mike’s countenance was more the result of reflected glare from a passing emergency vehicle, rather than an overburdened heart trying desperately to force blood through tiny openings in cholostoral clogged arteries.
Mike darn near had a heart attack when he saw Iconic Man fly by, just off the left wing of the aircraft.
Probably ate some bad food in Charlotte.
Get Well Soon Smitty,
If you gotta miss Thursday night, so be it.
Signed,
The Jaguars
If it wasn’t a heart attack it could possibly be anxiety related. I always thought “anxiety” was something mild until I had an anxiety attack this year. I honestly thought I was having a heart attack. It was scary.
i wonder what happened??? thank God it wasnt a heart attack, hopefully he goes home, gets a bit of rest before his game vs. the Jaguars.
Almost smells like a cover-up. I mean they were pretty quick to say it was not an emergency and stop the heart attack talk asap. Just sayin lol think about it.
Bestwishes
Panthers fan here glad that Mike is OK. Life gets in the way of football sometimes and glad this wasn’t fatal.
I’m glad he’s ok. Heart attacks and their symptoms are scary stuff.
Anyone else wonder about the Falcons flying between Atlanta and Charlotte? With all the time it takes to get through an airport, plus the cost, why not just use a bus for that distance?
@marionbarber24 here’s your update: Tony Romo lost. Marion barber lost the game for his team with some awful plays. Be more inconsiderate.
Glad your ok Coach Smith.