### NFL Draft Prank Calls Spark Controversy and Fines The 2025 NFL Draft has been overshadowed by a series of prank calls targeting rookie players, most notably Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders. The Atlanta Falcons' defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich, faced significant backlash after his son, Jax, impersonated a team executive during a prank call to Sanders, leading to a $350,000 fine for both the Falcons and Ulbrich himself. This incident has raised serious concerns about player privacy and the integrity of the draft process, as other players, including Ashton Jeanty, also reported similar prank calls during the event. ### Breakdown of the Prank Call Incident 1. **Main Incident**: - Shedeur Sanders received a prank call from Jax Ulbrich, who pretended to be a representative from the New Orleans Saints, misleading Sanders about his draft status [https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/las-vegas-ashton-jeanty-saquon-barkley-bijan-robinson]. - The Falcons were fined $250,000, and Jeff Ulbrich was fined $100,000 for the incident [https://www.reuters.com/sports/nfl-fines-falcons-jeff-ulbrich-total-350k-sanders-prank-2025-05-01]. 2. **Other Victims**: - Ashton Jeanty, a running back drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, also reported receiving a prank call claiming he had been traded to the Dallas Cowboys [https://www.si.com/college/boise-state/football/i-just-hung-up-bro-ashton-jeanty-details-nfl-draft-prank-call-attempt]. - Jeanty’s experience adds to a growing list of players who were misled during the draft, including other notable prospects [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ashton_jeanty_part_of_nfl_draft_prank_calling_scandal/s1_17391_42144396]. 3. **Reactions and Consequences**: - Jeff Ulbrich publicly apologized for his son's actions, calling them "absolutely inexcusable" and taking full responsibility for the incident [https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/absolutely_inexcusable_shedeur_sanders_prank_caller_father_falcons_dc_jeff_ulbrich_speaks_out/s1_17068_42134987]. - The NFL has been urged to implement stricter measures to protect players' contact information to prevent future incidents [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cleveland-browns/news/nfl-shedeur-sanders-phone-number-amount-people-prank-calls/ef96ac16519fbd42abd8c216]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Fines Imposed**: - Atlanta Falcons: $250,000 - Jeff Ulbrich: $100,000 - **Notable Prank Call Victims**: - Shedeur Sanders (Colorado QB) - Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders RB) - Other players include Tyler Warren (Indianapolis Colts) and Mason Graham (Cleveland Browns) [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ashton_jeanty_part_of_nfl_draft_prank_calling_scandal/s1_17391_42144396]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Change in NFL Draft Protocols The prank call incidents during the 2025 NFL Draft have highlighted significant issues regarding player privacy and the integrity of the draft process. 1. **Key Findings**: - The prank calls have led to substantial fines and public apologies, indicating the seriousness of the breach of trust [https://www.reuters.com/sports/nfl-fines-falcons-jeff-ulbrich-total-350k-sanders-prank-2025-05-01]. - Multiple players have reported similar experiences, suggesting a systemic issue that needs addressing [https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/las-vegas-ashton-jeanty-saquon-barkley-bijan-robinson]. 2. **Recommendations**: - The NFL should implement stricter regulations to safeguard players' personal information and prevent unauthorized access [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cleveland-browns/news/nfl-shedeur-sanders-phone-number-amount-people-prank-calls/ef96ac16519fbd42abd8c216]. - Increased awareness and education about the consequences of such actions are necessary to maintain the integrity of the draft process [https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/las-vegas-ashton-jeanty-saquon-barkley-bijan-robinson].