ATLANTA — The NFL has fined the Atlanta Falcons and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich after his son admitted to his involvement in prank calling Shedeur Sanders.
The Falcons will have to pay $250,000 and Ulbrich will have to pay $100,000 for “failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club in advance of the NFL Draft.”
The Falcons released the following statement after the fines were announced.
“We appreciate the NFL’s swift and thorough review of last week’s data exposure and the event that transpired due to it. 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.“
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An investigation found that Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of Jeff Ulbrich, “unintentionally” came across Sanders’ phone number on his dad’s iPad that was open.
He then wrote the number down and gave it to a friend, who called Sanders pretending to be New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis on Friday night.
Sanders, the son of Falcons legend and Colorado coach Deion Sanders, had been waiting to get a call from NFL team wanting to draft him.
It wasn’t until Saturday when the Cleveland Browns drafted Sanders in the fifth round.
Jax Ulbrich posted a statement Sunday, apologizing to Sanders and calling his actions “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 your life and I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment. Thank you for accepting my call earlier today, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me,” he wrote.
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