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Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009

Falcons head coach Smith fined by the NFL

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith was fined by the NFL for his role in a sideline scuffle during Sunday's win over the Washington Redskins.

Smith would not elaborate on the amount of the fine, but the Atlanta Journal- Constitution reported it to be a penalty of $15,000.

"I want everybody to know I've moved on from it," Smith said of the altercation. "I moved on from it back on Sunday night when that play was over. I'm ready to get prepared for the Carolina Panthers."

The fracas involved former Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who contended that Smith acted in a harmful manner. The Atlanta bench boss said he was simply trying to restore order.

"I'm always going to make sure I've got my players' backs and I'm going to take care of them," Smith added.

The commotion spawned from a late sideline hit delivered by Redskins safety LaRon Landry on Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan.

In addition to Smith, two Washington players were also reportedly fined for their roles in the skirmish, although Hall was not penalized.

The Journal-Constituion reported Landry's fine to be $5,000 for the hit, while Washington defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was fined $7,500 for entering the Falcons' bench area.