The NFL has taken action against the Atlanta Falcons and their defensive coordinator over the devastating 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 Friday, 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 the breach of confidential information, Ian Rapoport reported. 

In a responding statement, the Falcons accepted the discipline, 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  

A clip of the hoax was posted on social media on Saturday, as Sanders still waited to be picked

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.

But on Friday – the second day of the draft – he had thought his long slide had finally come to an earlier end when he received a call, purportedly from general manager of the New Orleans Saints, Mickey Loomis. 

Yet, in a cruel twist of fate his hopes were immediately crushed as it turned out to be a hoax. 

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 Falcons and DC Jeff Ulbrich have been fined by the league over the prank call 

Sanders was out at Dallas nightclub Hyde & Seek celebrating his selection in the NFL Draft

Among the attendees was Sanders’ rumored girlfriend, Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea

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.

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. 

The former Colorado signal caller was informed that he would be selected with New Orleans’ next pick.

Sanders (L) is seen carrying a Louis Vuitton briefcase full of money on Saturday night

The quarterback had been projected to be a top-five pick by some ahead of the draft 

The league (pictured commissioner Roger Goodell) had launched an investigation 

Jax, who was sitting nearby on the couch, was left open-mouthed and had to walk away after hearing Sanders answer. 

‘This is Mickey Loomis here, the GM of the New Orleans Saints, how are you doing?’ the caller asked Sanders, who replied: ‘Good, I’ve been waiting on you.’

The prankster continued: ‘It’s been a long wait, man, (but) we are going to take you as our next pick right here.’

After Sanders replied, ‘that would be legendary’, he is told ‘you’re going to have to wait a little bit longer, man. Sorry about that!’

The caller then hung up, prompting hysterical laughter among his friends. ‘Oh my God, he bought it!’ one could be heard shouting.

Meanwhile, Sanders’ reaction to the prank call was broadcast to the world on a livestream of his draft party. Once the humiliating incident took place, the feed cut out.

Sanders looked puzzled, revealing, ‘Nobody had that number. The number was only in the email thread that the NFL sent out to only teams.’

Sanders’ misery eventually came to an end when the Cleveland Browns selected him with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round. 

However, Sanders wasn’t the only victim of the prank call torture with at least five others reported to have suffered a similar fate, including undrafted free agent Isaiah Bond.