ATLANTA (AP) - The Atlanta Falcons were fined $250,000 and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was fined $100,000 for Ulbrich's son participating in a prank call with Shedeur Sanders during the NFL draft.

The NFL confirmed on Wednesday the Falcons and Ulbrich fined for failing to prevent confidential information disclosed to the club before the NFL draft.

advertise

The Falcons revealed the role of Ulbrich's 21-year-old son Jax, who embraced the league's disciplines in the prank call as Sanders waited to call his name in the draft.

"We thank the NFL for its detailed review of last week's data exposure and the rapid and detailed review of the incident," the Falcons said in a statement.

“We are actively resolving the situation internally and working fully with the league throughout the process and accepting discipline for coaches and organizations of Jeff Ulbrich. We are confident in our safety policies and practices and will continue to emphasize compliance with our staff with our staff, whether in court appearances or closing down to-dos.”

The Falcons also said the Ulbrich family “is working with the organization to participate in community service programs related to last week’s affairs.”

advertise

Jax Ulbrich "surprisingly met Shedeur Sanders' phone number, while visiting his parents' home, writing down the number, and then writing down the phone number that was later a prank."

Jax Ulbrich sat next to an unidentified friend who actually called Sanders on Friday the second day of the draft. Outstanding quarterback from Colorado State is the son of Buffalo coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame Deion Sanders, who started his NFL career with the Falcons.

Sanders, who entered the draft, is expected to be the first-round pick, selected by Cleveland Browns in the fifth round.

The Falcons said Jeff Ulbrich didn’t realize data exposure or prank until afterwards. The team apologized sincerely to Shedeur Sanders and his family. ” Jax Ulbrich also posted a public apology on social media.

advertise

The NFL continues to investigate prank calls to other players during the NFL draft. The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the call to Shedeur Sanders had nothing to do with other prank calls.

Tyler Warren, Kyle McCord, Mason Graham and Chase Lundt also reported receiving prank calls.

___

Rob Maaddi, an AP professional football writer in Tampa, Florida, contributed to the report.

___

AP NFL: