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Son of NFL assistant takes ownership for prank call of Shedeur Sanders, offers apology
By Paul Harvey
Published:
During Day 2 of the NFL Draft, former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was waiting to hear his name called after sliding out of the first round. And, at one point, Sanders thought he had been drafted.
That’s because a previously unnamed individual pranked the prominent quarterback, impersonating New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis over the phone. On Sunday, it was reported that the NFL was looking into the matter after it was revealed the prank call was directly to Sanders’s private number.
The perpetrator behind the call has now been identified as Jax Ulbrich, the son of new Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. He identified himself with an apology on social media and also claimed Sanders took his phone call to apologize on Sunday.
“On Friday night, I made a tremendous mistake,” wrote Ulbrich. “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… Thank you for accepting my call earlier today, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
So, how did Jax Ulbrich come across such sensitive information? The Atlanta Falcons issued a statement on Sunday, revealing Jax came across the information on an “open iPad while visiting his parent’s home.”
Ulbrich copied the number without his father’s knowledge of the data exposure for the purpose of conducting the prank down the road. The Falcons offered their own apology and revealed a thorough review of their protocols, but will not take any disciplinary action against Jeff Ulbrich in the matter, per Adam Schefter.
Former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren was also the victim of a prank call during the draft, but it’s unclear if Ulbrich was behind that call as well.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
