National Football League

Falcons coach Smith hospitalized

Published Dec. 11, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

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Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith had a health scare on the team plane after Sunday's 31-23 win over the Carolina Panthers.

“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 released in a statement. "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.”

Smith, 52, was taken to a Charlotte hospital after becoming ill on the plane, which was delayed due to other air traffic, NBC Sports reported.

He was taken off the plane and checked by paramedics, who suggested he be examined at a hospital.

"It was not a heart attack," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff told Football Night In America. "Everything came out negative with the tests.

"He's in good spirits and we're relieved."

The team released a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution saying the "tests have reaffirmed his health and he's expected to be in Atlanta on Monday."

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