Update: Ray Hamilton’s response to Mike Smith’s apology
Falcons coach Mike Smith during Sunday's heated game. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Falcons coach Mike Smith today expressed remorse for his actions on the sideline near the end of his team’s breathless victory over Carolina on Sunday and said he has apologized to defensive line coach Ray Hamilton.
“It was something that happened in the heat of battle,” Smith said, speaking by phone from team headquarters in Flowery Branch.
Of Hamilton, Smith said: “Ray and I have worked together for 10 years [including five when the two were assistants in Jacksonville]; he’s one of my closest friends in coaching … I apologized to him this morning. I said, ‘I’m very sorry about my action. I’m very sorry about what happened last night.’ ”
Said Hamilton, also via phone: “Mike mentioned it to me this morning. I didn’t even realize anything had happened. I didn’t give it a second thought until somebody called me and asked about it this morning.”
Of Smith’s apology, Hamilton said: “His apology is fine. I’ve been coaching 27 years. On the sideline, all kinds of shoving goes on. You’d be amazed at the stuff that gets said down there. But there’s nothing ever disrespectful. Smitty’s a first-class guy.”
Matt Bryant’s field goal had given the Falcons a 30-28 lead with five seconds remaining, but they still had to defend one last play. After a touchback on the kickoff, Carolina took possession at its 20. Smith saw that the Falcons had only 10 players on the field — he would not identify the missing man — and was less than pleased.
Said Smith: “We were trying to finish the game. We were trying to get the right personnel. We didn’t have the right number of players.”
Fox cameras caught an angry Smith putting both hands on Hamilton’s arm and administering a slight shove. Said Smith: “I was on a tirade — that’s all. I did not push him. I was on a tirade and I threw my hands.”
Thinking quickly, Smith signaled for a timeout before Carolina could snap the ball, knowing full well the Falcons had used their final allotted timeout just after the two-minute warning. He also knew that NFL rules don’t levy a penalty when a team tries to call a timeout it doesn’t have.
The Falcons were able to send an 11th defender into the game while the officials were telling Smith he couldn’t have a timeout, which was his intention all along. “I was trying to get 11 guys on the field,” he said. “We didn’t have 11 guys.”
Mission accomplished. John Abraham sacked Cam Newton on the final play and the Falcons left with one of their most stirring victories in Smith’s four-plus seasons as head coach. In Smith’s mind, however, his tactical coup did not excuse the anger he expressed toward Hamilton.
“Sideline etiquette is important,” Smith said. “I’ve got to be 100 percent. I wasn’t 100 percent.”
For the record, Smith’s 2012 team holds a winning percentage of 1.000. The Falcons are 4-0. And with Sunday’s victory, Smith (47-21) passed Leeman Bennett (46-41) as the second-winningest coach in franchise history. Dan Reeves (49-59-1) ranks first.
By Mark Bradley
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290 comments Add your comment
DAMPIER
October 1st, 2012
2:59 pm
I like it! Good for coach Smith. He grew some knuts and that’s what the Falcons needed. If were gonna run this thing, everyone’s got to be on the same page, period. Yea, he did what he had to do! Shouts out to maa main maaan, Roddy-good goin broham. Ah ain’t forgot about ma dog-Abe. Now I figure-the Falcons decided to keep the “dirty” in the bird. First it was M. Turner, then Abe, yesterday it was coach. Ok, so we’ll take this as a win for next Sunday on Mike Smith’s tirade. (Uh, it was legal) so does that count? Someone on the Falcons betta get in trouble with the law. How about jaywalking? Bulldogs need a win to keep this streak alive.
Proud Falcon Fan
October 1st, 2012
3:03 pm
Who does this Matt”CHOKE”Ryan chump think he is always putting our team and quarterback down. He sounds like a aints fan. He sounds like he is jealous to me. Stay off our blog and get own your own. I’m tired of reading his crap. I’ve been a falcon season ticket holder for 23 years and proud of it. Go Falcons..4-0.
DT
October 1st, 2012
3:04 pm
this article at 1121am? I mentioned this in one of the blogs around 0830. Cannot believe you waited until late morning to mention this especially with FOX TV all over it. And it will not go away, Smith caught being abusive and a liar on top of it. What did you need to do get the idea from a blogger?
This apology won’t wash. Any other corporate office the man would be fired.
pb
October 1st, 2012
3:05 pm
Hey Matt “Choke”,
Was waiting for your inane comments. Couldn’t attack Ryan this time, so going for the coach now… Are you sure you don’t work for AJC, just to stir it up on here? Well, I give you give you credit for consistency. Consistently a pain, that is.
John Cable
October 1st, 2012
3:06 pm
This rise up crap has got to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Real teams make their traditions from winning and not from the marketing campaign that is trying to sell tickets.
Jeez Manetti
October 1st, 2012
3:06 pm
Come on, guys! It’s football,,,it was an intense moment. I get it; and I’m a girl. We have become a nation of pu**ies. Sad..
DAMPIER
October 1st, 2012
3:10 pm
To all those who did criticize M. Smith’s tirade AFTER a FALCONS WIN-stop the h-a-t-e-r-a-i-d-e slingin!!!
joe white
October 1st, 2012
3:11 pm
On my way mike has class for sure, I guess he pushed your player too after a lost. Good teams win games like that, falcons on there way to been a something speical. 18 year season ticket holder and that win can carry into sunday knowing we got beat on both side of the lines, this week we will bounce back. 4-0 baby
dawgbone
October 1st, 2012
3:15 pm
One has to wonder why Mike Smith is the only one that noticed there were only 10 men on the field. Whose responsiblity was it to make sure there were 11? I would have been mad too, it was a huge game and the game cannot end on a defensive penalty! What to go Coach Smith!
ThisThatnTheOther
October 1st, 2012
3:19 pm
I thought it was a technical foul to call a timeout when you don’t have any. Just ask Chris Webber.
Tom
October 1st, 2012
3:20 pm
I saw it like everyone else; he didn’t “throw his hands”, he hit the guy. You’re a grown man and a supposed professional, Mike Smith….you never, ever hit someone “in the heat of battle”; you deal with it like a pro. Shame on you; my 8 year old acts better.
Really?
October 1st, 2012
3:20 pm
Poor little choke. His sad little idiotic tirades have always been pointless and obviously stem from his own deep rooted inadequacies and inability to get a job or girl or friend or talk to a stranger without soiling himself.
If he were not such a sad hate filled little nothing most of us would pity the little wretch. As it is we only feel disgust.
sidslid
October 1st, 2012
3:26 pm
If only college basketball had such a rule. Chris Webber would have evaded the Fickle Finger of Fate award in 1993.
Mama Said Knock You Out
October 1st, 2012
3:26 pm
Mike Smith shoved that defensive line coach, plain as day. He was not just throwing up his hands, he shoved him like you’d shove an opponent. I thought, “Are we committing battery on the sidelines, now?” He needs to own it all: “Yes, I got caught up in the heat of the moment and I shoved him, and I’m truly sorry.”
Eniab
October 1st, 2012
3:28 pm
Enter your comments here
Vince Doodley
October 1st, 2012
3:28 pm
Man, it was an AWESOME Game. I was there to see it luckily. If Coach Smith gets worked up, great. I love a warrior. it rubs off on the team too. Whole team played well, though De Coud got schooled a few times by Steve Smith, but that aint news.
single white dove
October 1st, 2012
3:28 pm
On My Way
October 1st, 2012
12:25 pm
Sorry but Mike Smith is a thug. I saw him push an opposing player who happened to run into him on the sidelines. He got no class.
Did the opposing player point to the “bad man”, that made him cry???
Really?
October 1st, 2012
3:29 pm
Is anyone else a bit surprised that all the taint’s fan (using generic names of course) suddenly think a shove in the heat of a tight game is the worst thing to ever happen to football?
Cheating and trying to end careers like some crack addict stabbing an old lady for pennies is okay to who drunk nation, but a coach shoves his friend and suddenly they all wet their panties.
after further review
October 1st, 2012
3:30 pm
It’s ironic how people say it just business when a player is released or traded or if the head coach is fired. So the business model if pushed aside when the operation manager (head coach) hits a subordinate ( DL coach). All those that are saying it just football, ish happens; I wonder what you would do if you’re late on a deadline and your manager slap you upside your head. You’ll go past HR and straight to a labor lawyer. Stop fronting…….
pb
October 1st, 2012
3:35 pm
Don’t understand why my comments don’t get through… Maybe I made Matt “Choke ” mad, and he is blocking them somehow? But he remains a pathetic jerk…
Ted Striker
October 1st, 2012
3:37 pm
I foresee the timeout rule changing.
However, playing devils advocate it’s up to the officials to be cognizant and aware of how many timeouts there are.
Don’t award it if it ain’t there. Pretty simple, really.
If a player or coach calls for a TO and isn’t seen by an official then it’s a non-reviewable play. The shoes fit on both feet.
MADE MAN I KNOW WHERE HOFFA IS
October 1st, 2012
3:38 pm
I am beginning to find Mr. Smith arguably incredibly sexy
Bama Bill
October 1st, 2012
3:38 pm
I watched the game and Coach Smith has a real problem with truth ! Watch the tape and see what your eyes see – Smith is obviously lacking – heat of battle my butt – lousy leadership is obvious.
Eniab
October 1st, 2012
3:40 pm
I’m definitely not a fan of AB being on the sideline after this episode. AB, I know you own the Falcons sideline and team, albeit not the dome. Let Smitty coach and AB enfoy from his luxury box, use your own discretion when to come down and visit the players, however don’t become a distraction. What could you have possibly been saying to Smitty at that moment that warrants a verbal exchange at such a critical moment in the game. Most of you will make a b-line to HR, and next stop the attorney office if your boss shoved you!!
ws
October 1st, 2012
3:42 pm
WHO CARES ABOUT WHAT VINCE DOOLEY DID!!!!!! This is a falcon blog. Stop living in the past.
Tom
October 1st, 2012
3:44 pm
I bet chris webber wishes the ncaa had the same rules as the nfl.
alex
October 1st, 2012
3:48 pm
Goodness, this blog tells you why we have winners and loosers (read: whiner,welfare,please give me my cell phone). Life’s tough boys and girls and all the govt. regulations to the contrary do NOT change that.
So suck it up ,My wrestling coach is turning over in his grave about this even being an issue….
Bama Bill, the truth is your a whimp..
Rhettt
October 1st, 2012
3:49 pm
Barry, nobody is going to read your rants when you are screaming. I got half way through your first line and moved on. Probably many others did likewise.
Rhettt
October 1st, 2012
3:56 pm
Dogbone… Not sure the defense having only ten players on field is a penalty. However, what’s most important is for the defense to have enough men on the field to properly defend. A lineman, linebacker, safety or cornerback, missing, at the wrong time could be catastrophic. That is, the offense might have a huge advantage.
Wink
October 1st, 2012
3:57 pm
I posted a few days ago who would be the next “Angry Bird”. Turner, Abraham & now Coach Smith…clearly seems the “Dirty Birds Are Back”.
Turner has run better since his incident, Abraham gives us the big sack to end the game, after Coach Smith’s tirade.
Maybe Coach Smith will get even better with coaching against the Redskins…while we wait to see who’s next to make headlines (during or after next week’s game).
Rhettt
October 1st, 2012
3:59 pm
Dawgbone…..er……sorrow about the spelling.
Rhettt
October 1st, 2012
4:00 pm
Dawgbone………..Dadgummit…….sorry about the spelling.
JeanE
October 1st, 2012
4:01 pm
Smitty was wrong but I can see it during a heated crazy finish like that and it was heads up for him to call the timeout and know the rule! I love seeing him and Matt Ryan get fired up, also love those black throwback jersyes, they are my favorite, the players look meaner in black!! Great win, next week will be another tough one against a very mobile QB in RG3, we can perservere!!
Notso Fast
October 1st, 2012
4:01 pm
I was just glad to see that he has some fire.
spilt milk
October 1st, 2012
4:07 pm
You know, I’m getting damn tired of athletes and coaches exhibiting bad sportsmanship all in the name of “the heat of the battle”. I’ve played sports my entire life and I have never argued with an opponent or shown up an opponent. Now I have not played on a professional level but that is no excuse. This is one of the reasons I don’t watch nor go to sporting events. Crybabies and spoiled brats.
mambo
October 1st, 2012
4:08 pm
Apologize to Ray Hamilton? He should warn Ray Hamilton that a brain ƒ@®† like that every happening again will jeopardize his future employment.
alex
October 1st, 2012
4:10 pm
@spilt milk:your free cell phone is waiting,along with your monthly check,at your mother’s house,………..sheesh, now go get your trophy for showing up at the BOWLING lanes !
Jeez Manetti
October 1st, 2012
4:12 pm
Sometimes it takes a little fire to get things done right.
Ever watched Senor Saban on the sidelines?
Mark Bradley
October 1st, 2012
4:12 pm
Above post has been updated with quotes from Ray Hamilton.
Open Minded
October 1st, 2012
4:16 pm
This coach has passion and fire… he sincerely apologized to Hamilton what more can he do?
This is big-time football not little league. Smitty is living in the moment during the game and has an incredible record to show for it… far as I am concerned he could deck Arthur Blank during a game and if they win what’s the deal… You step on the sidelines of a game and you might hear a cuss word or two or get shoved around a bit… Man-up!
Titan Dave
October 1st, 2012
4:30 pm
Have known Coach Smith for many years. Coach Smith coached my brother when he was in 1-AA ball. He made sure you didn’t leave anything on the field then and obviously he doesn’t let anyone walk off the field with unfinished business now. Kudos Coach Smith and all for the commitment including you Mr. Blank.
LOL at The Aints
October 1st, 2012
4:30 pm
Like seeing Coach get fired up,, maybe throw a few hay makers if someone is not doing his job,, whatever it takes to win,,,
DRosser
October 1st, 2012
4:38 pm
The disturbing thing to me.. I listened to the Carolina announcers call the game on the way back from Virginia. They continually called the Falcons defenses before plays and were surprisingly right. They also said that the Falcons confused themselves on coverage when they jumped around before the snap which also appeared correct. Dang.
newkid
October 1st, 2012
4:41 pm
You’d never see that sort of behavior from Tony Dungy; a real man’s man as well as superb HC.
Bill
October 1st, 2012
4:48 pm
It is this exact type of reaction under pressure that causes the Falcons to implode in the playoffs. This staff just can’t handle the big games and it will happen again in January. Mark my words.
SCFalcon
October 1st, 2012
4:49 pm
Smith had a right to be upset since the assistants couldn’t get 11 on the field for the most critical play of the game. The only person who has a right to be upset is Ray Hamilton. If he is not upset, drop it. Honestly, I bet Hamilton knows he screwed up.
Trolls need to go feed somewhere else. The Falcons are winning, get use to it!
Also, Smith didn’t cheat. He knew the rules of the game, end of discussion. If the NFL wants to close the gap fine, do it. This is much better than Jimmy Moran calling the booth on his cell phone to find out what the rules are. Oh and one last thing, it was a push not a hit. Don’t be girlie men!
LOL at The Aints
October 1st, 2012
4:53 pm
Open Minded, I agree,, this aint no Tennis match,,
Chipmunk
October 1st, 2012
5:07 pm
I’d be interested in getting more details on the exchange that occurred between Smith and Blank.
Was Blank trying to interfere and the coach silencing him?
Sis-Boom-Bah Humbug
October 1st, 2012
5:10 pm
Thanks for clarifying the little disturbance just before the last play of the game – watching TV, I was totally confused as to what was happening.
I may well be wrong, but a few moments earlier it appeared that Smitty was not at all pleased with Arthur Blank kibitzing or puttering around in front of the bench. Was that or something similar actually the case?
In any case, Blank should keep away from the bench DURING the game. Too bad Norm Van Brocklin is not around to explain such “ettiquite” to him.
Kudos all around to Smitty/Staff & to the fantastic Falcon team effort. Any “fans” who left early got the punishment they deserved – in missing a truly great comeback & a huge victory. A truly massive win!
LOL at The Aints
October 1st, 2012
5:16 pm
This is all just a bunch of crap,, all the Naysayers trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill cause thats all they got! Go Birds!