Falcons and coach Jeff Ulbrich fined over draft day prank call to Shedeur Sanders

Wednesday, the NFL fined the Atlanta Falcons $250,000 and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbricht $100,000

in response to the prank call made to quarterback Shredor Sanders during the NFL draft

Sanders was considered a top pick by many pundits and draft experts

after throwing for 4,100 yards and 37 touchdowns last season. But he became the story of the draft after falling all the way to the fifth round

before being picked by the Cleveland Browns. As he waited for his name to be called on day two

a video surfaced on social media of Sanders receiving a call from someone impersonating

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. After listening to the caller, a confused Sanders

asked the people at his draft party, what does that mean? Ulbrich's 21-year-old son admitted to the prank call

and apologized in an Instagram post Sunday. Jeff Ulbrich also took responsibility

My actions, my actions of not protecting confidential data were inexcusable. My son's actions were absolutely inexcusable

And for that, we are both deeply sorry. In a statement the NFL said the fines were for failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information The Falcons said Sunday that Jax Ulbricht wrote down the number from his father open iPad while visiting his parents home

and later made the prank call. Ulbricht said he didn't know about it until after the draft

then made the Falcons aware and called the Sanders family to apologize. It's difficult, but

But like I said, it's something that I brought upon myself and my son brought upon himself

So it's one of those things where we got to take this on the chin

And we absolutely are doing that and taking full responsibility. And I'm hopeful we'll grow and be better because of it

At least a half dozen prospects received prank calls over the draft weekend

including first rounders Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren, and Mason Graham. The NFL is reportedly investigating how players' numbers are disseminated

Numbers are usually put on a distribution list for teams so they can reach that player or his agent during the draft

Agents typically handle most calls from team representatives, but Sanders is representing himself

After he was taken by the Browns, Sanders told reporters he wasn't bothered by the prank

saying, I feel like it was a childish act, but everybody does childish things here and there

For Straight Arrow News, I'm Chris Francis