NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — The NFL fined the Atlanta Falcons US$250,000 and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich US$100,000 on Wednesday over a phone number leak that led to a prank call to rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Sanders, the son of retired star Deion Sanders, had been seen by some as a first-round pick in the NFL Draft last week but slid to the fifth round before being taken by the Cleveland Browns.

Sanders received a prank call from Jax Ulbrich, the son of the Falcons coach who had taken the number from his father’s iPad while visiting the family home to later make the prank call.

Pretending to be New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, Jax Ulbrich called Sanders last Friday and delivered a confusing message, saying the Saints would take him with their next pick but he would have to wait longer.

Jax Ulbrich later apologised to Sanders and others while confessing his role in the prank.

“We appreciate the NFL’s swift and thorough review of last week’s data exposure and the event that transpired due to it,” the Falcons said in a statement.

“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.

“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.

“Additionally, the Ulbrich family is working with the organization to participate in community service initiatives in relation to last week’s matter.”