Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons coach Mike Smith has chest pains, taken to hospital

By
Dec 12, 2011

CHARLOTTE -- Following Sunday's Falcons-Carolina game, Falcons coach Mike Smith, 52, had chest pains and was taken to a hospital before the team's charter flight left for Atlanta.

In a statement, however, the team described the situation as "a non-emergency matter." Smith had undisclosed tests and was resting comfortably, the team said. The coach was expected to return to Atlanta on Monday.

The Falcons' chartered plane was on the runway for 30-40 minutes, held up by an air traffic delay. When it was apparent Smith wasn't feeling well, the plane returned to the gate and the coach was taken to a Charlotte hospital.

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Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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