That is one costly prank.<\/p>\n
The NFL has fined the Falcons $250,000 and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich a separate $100,000 for the Shedeur Sanders NFL draft prank committed by Ulbrich\u2019s son, Jax.<\/a><\/p>\n Jax and a friend recorded themselves calling Sanders over the weekend claiming to be Saints GM Mickey Loomis, telling the former Colorado star the franchise was ready to draft him.<\/p>\n \u201cWe appreciate the NFL\u2019s swift and thorough review of last week\u2019s data exposure and the event that transpired due to it,\u201d the Falcons said in a statement released Wednesday<\/a>. \u201cWe 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\u2019s matter.\u201d<\/p>\n Shedeur Sanders fell to the fifth round of the NFL draft. AP<\/p>\n Sanders was on a LiveStream at the time and the call quickly went viral, adding to the embarrassment that came with dropping from a top prospect down to the fifth round, where the Browns selected him with pick No. 144<\/a>.<\/p>\n Video ultimately emerged of Jax and his friend, who actually made the call, perpetrating the cruel prank.<\/p>\n Jax had pulled Sanders\u2019 number off an open iPad while visiting his parents\u2019 home.<\/p>\n And while the Falcons claim Jeff had no knowledge of the call, the NFL has sent a clear message to coaches and personnel around the league \u2014\u00a0as well as their mischievous offspring \u2014\u00a0with the hefty punishment that the league confirmed.<\/p>\n Jeff Ulbrich was fined $100,000 for the prank. Bill Kostroun\/New York Post<\/p>\n Jax, 21, and a student at Berry College in Georgia, apologized Sunday after admitting to being the guilty party.<\/p>\n \u201cOn Friday night I made a tremendous mistake,\u201d Jax wrote in a statement on Instagram. \u201cShedeur, what | did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful. I\u2019m so sorry | 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Jax Ulbrich (left) and friend make the prank call to Shedeur Sanders. X<\/p>\n Jeff Ulrbich is a longtime NFL assistant and served as the Jets interim head coach last season after Robert Saleh was fired.<\/p>\n