The NFL has taken action against the Atlanta Falcons and defensive coordinator over the draft day prank call to Shedeur Sanders.
The quarterback’s humiliating freefall to the fifth round of the NFL Draft at the weekend was compounded by a cruel prank call, which was made to a phone number only available to NFL executives and team front offices.
It later emerged that Jax Ulbrich, the son of Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich, was behind the call after he released a statement confessing to the outrageous act on Sunday.
Now, the league has confirmed it is punishing both the franchise and its coach for failing to prevent the brutal call.
On Wednesday, the NFL confirmed that the Falcons have been fined $250,000 and Jeff Ulbrich $100,000 for failing to protect confidential information distributed to the team, Ian Rapoport reported.
In a statement, the Falcons accepted the punishment, vowing to tighten its security procedures.
The NFL has taken action against the culprits behind the prank call to Shedeur Sanders
Sanders received the phone call, which was broadcast on a live stream in real time on Friday
The Falcons and DC Jeff Ulbrich have been fined by the league over the prank call
The organization further revealed that Ulbrich’s son Jax would be serving his own punishment in the form of community service.
‘We appreciate the NFL’s swift and thorough review of last week’s data exposure and the event that transpired due to it,’ the franchise said.
‘We were proactive in addressing the situation internally and cooperated fully with the league throughout the process, and accept the discipline levied to Coach Jeff Ulbrich and the organization. We are confident in our security policies and practices and will continue to emphasize adherence to them with our staff whether on or off premises.
‘Additionally, the Ulbrich family is working with the organization to participate in community service initiatives in relation to last week’s matter.’
Sanders had been tipped by some – including his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders – to be a top-five pick but he embarrassingly became the biggest shock of the draft as he slid not only out of the first round, but also the second, third and fourth.
And on Friday – the second day of the draft – he had thought his long slide had finally ended earlier when he received a call, purportedly from general manager of the New Orleans Saints , Mickey Loomis, on Friday.
On Saturday, a clip of the prank callers was posted on social media. It showed a young man – wearing an Ole Miss sweater – calling Sanders.
Sanders was informed that he would be selected with New Orleans’ next pick, only to soon discover that the call was a hoax. ‘You’re going to have to wait a little longer,’ he was told.
It was revealed Sunday that Ulbrich’s son, Jax, had been behind the call
The prankster’s friend, who was sitting nearby on the couch, was left open-mouthed and had to walk away after hearing Sanders answer.
The 23-year-old later revealed that he had gotten a new phone with the specific intention of the draft, suggesting only NFL team executives had the number.
The revelation sparked fury among fans, with the NFL announcing Sunday morning that it would be launching an investigation into the matter.
Just hours later, Jax released a statement confessing to the savage prank as he pleaded for forgiveness.
‘On Friday night I made a tremendous mistake,’ Jax posted on social media. ‘Shedeur, what I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful.
‘I’m so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish. I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of you life and I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment.’
Jax then went on to reveal that he and Sanders spoke on the phone before concluding, ‘I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.’
At the time, the Falcons confirmed to Daily Mail that they would not be taking action against Jeff Ulbrich, who is said to have been unware of the data breach.
More to follow.
