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The Atlanta Falcons have officially addressed the prank call made to quarterback Shedeur Sanders during the NFL Draft.
The team revealed that Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, was responsible for the incident.
Jax Ulbrich issues public apology
The team issued a statement Sunday, confirming Jax's involvement and apologizing to Sanders and his family, while emphasizing that no disciplinary action would be taken against Jeff Ulbrich.
The prank occurred during Day 2 of the draft as Sanders waited for his name to be called.
A video circulating online showed Sanders receiving a call from someone pretending to be New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, leading to confusion at his draft party.
Falcons officials explained that Jax Ulbrich obtained Sanders' draft number after discovering it on an open iPad while visiting his parents' home, later using it to make the prank call.
Jax Ulbrich publicly apologized in an Instagram post, calling his actions "a tremendous mistake."
He wrote, "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 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."
In their statement, the Falcons emphasized that Jeff Ulbrich had no knowledge of the prank.
"The Atlanta Falcons do not condone this behavior and send our sincere apologies to Shedeur Sanders and his family," the team said, noting that they have been in direct with the Sanders family to facilitate Jax's apology.
The Falcons added they are cooperating with the NFL and reviewing internal protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The NFL has opened an investigation into the call, along with other prank calls reported during the draft.
Despite the disruption, Sanders downplayed the event in a call with reporters after being drafted by the Cleveland Browns, saying, "It didn't really have an impact on me... Of course, I feel like it was a childish act, but everybody does childish things here and there."