The Atlanta Falcons were fined a significant amount of $250,000. This penalty was the result of a prank call fiasco that included rookie player Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders. Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s 21-year-old son managed an impressive prank. This ill-conceived stunt caused many of us to question their very commitment to data security as an organization.
Shedeur Sanders, selected by the Cleveland Browns as the sixth pick of the fifth round and 144th overall in the recent NFL Draft, received a call from someone impersonating New Orleans Saints’ general manager Mickey Loomis. The application was downloaded on his personal number, which Jax Ulbrich was able to get during a trip stopping at his parents’ house.
Falcons officials today confirmed reports that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was personally fined $100,000 for his complicity in the incident. They stated he was “unaware of the data exposure or any facets of the prank.” The Falcons have now apologized to Sanders and promised that they would strengthen their protocols around data security.
Sanders called the prank call “childish,” but conceded that it “really didn’t affect me that much.” Since the incident, the Ulbrich family has been working closely with the organization. Collectively, they are promoting youth-led community service projects.
“We are confident in our security policies and practices and will continue to emphasise adherence to them with our staff whether on or off premises,” a Falcons representative stated. The organization acknowledged their proactive measures in addressing the situation and their cooperation with the league throughout the investigation process.
“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 organisation,” – Falcons statement
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