Stephen A. Smith: Jax Ulbrich needs ‘an ass whipping’ for prank call of Shedeur Sanders

In the world of sports media, few voices carry as much weight—or as much fire—as Stephen A. Smith. Known for his animated commentary and unapologetic takes, Smith is never one to mince words, especially when it comes to topics he believes strike at the core of decency, sportsmanship, or character. That’s exactly what happened in late April 2025, when news broke that Jax Ulbrich, son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, placed a prank call to NFL Draft prospect Shedeur Sanders on what should have been one of the most important nights of the young quarterback’s life.

The call, which falsely informed Sanders that he was being drafted by the New Orleans Saints, went viral—and the backlash was immediate. Fans were outraged. Players and analysts expressed sympathy for Sanders. But no reaction was quite as forceful, or as widely shared, as Stephen A. Smith’s explosive commentary on ESPN’s First Take the next morning. Speaking with unmistakable anger, Smith didn’t hold back: “Let me say this, and I don’t care who doesn’t like it—Jax Ulbrich needs an ass whipping for that. Period.”

This wasn’t just a hot take—it was a cultural moment. And as the debate raged on about respect, privilege, and consequences in professional sports, it became clear that the prank, and the reaction to it, revealed far more than just a lapse in judgment by one young man. It sparked a national conversation about where the line is drawn between youthful antics and outright cruelty—especially when played out on a stage as monumental as the NFL Draft.

The Incident: A Prank That Went Too Far

During the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft, quarterback Shedeur Sanders—son of Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders—received what appeared to be a legitimate call from a team executive. The caller claimed to be New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis, and informed Sanders that he was about to be selected. Overjoyed and emotional, Sanders reportedly informed his family and inner circle, only to learn minutes later that the call was a prank. He was not being drafted by the Saints.

The source of the call was eventually revealed to be Jax Ulbrich, a college-aged son of Falcons coach Jeff Ulbrich. According to statements released later, Jax reportedly got access to Sanders’ contact information through an unlocked iPad at his parents’ house, which belonged to someone associated with the Falcons organization. The Falcons were quick to state that no malicious intent was involved, and Jax Ulbrich posted an apology on Instagram calling his behavior “immature, inexcusable, and deeply regrettable.”

But for many—including Stephen A. Smith—an apology wasn’t enough.

Stephen A. Smith’s Take: A Line Was Crossed

On First Take, Smith wasted no time setting the tone. “This wasn’t a joke among friends. This was a young man on the verge of a lifelong dream. That call, that moment, is something you can’t get back. To rob someone of that is disgusting.”

Joined by co-hosts Molly Qerim and Shannon Sharpe, Smith launched into a powerful monologue that resonated across social media. “What gives you the right,” he asked rhetorically, “to play games with a man’s dream? With his family sitting there, with cameras ready, with a life-changing opportunity at stake?”

Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Famer himself, agreed. “You don’t mess with a moment like that,” he said. “That’s not funny. That’s trauma. You don’t know what this young man’s been through to get here. That call should’ve been sacred.”

Smith’s words quickly trended on Twitter (now X), with clips of the segment garnering millions of views. Reactions were divided—some applauded his intensity, while others called it over-the-top. But even many critics acknowledged that the underlying sentiment was hard to argue with: certain moments, especially those involving professional dreams and national attention, are not to be mocked.

Privilege, Accountability, and Sports Culture

One of the deeper issues Stephen A. Smith pointed out—and what turned this from a mere prank into a cultural flashpoint—was the privilege involved. “Let’s be real,” Smith said on-air. “If Jax Ulbrich wasn’t the son of an NFL coach, does he even get access to that number? Does he even get near the Draft process? Hell no.”

Smith continued: “This is the kind of access that comes with nepotism, and what you do with that privilege matters. He used it to hurt somebody who earned every damn inch of that opportunity.”

The argument resonated. For many athletes, particularly Black athletes like Shedeur Sanders, the road to the NFL is paved with challenges—financial, systemic, and personal. To have that road mocked or manipulated by someone perceived to have coasted into proximity with the sport’s highest level sparked deep frustrations.

Several former and current players took to social media in support of Sanders. “This wasn’t a joke. It was sabotage,” tweeted former linebacker D’Qwell Jackson. “Someone needs to teach these kids respect for what we sacrifice.”

The NFL and Institutional Response

In the days following the incident, the NFL confirmed it was investigating how Sanders’ number became accessible and whether any league policies were violated. While the prank technically did not involve a team executive or violate a known NFL rule, there were concerns about potential breaches of privacy and professionalism.

The Atlanta Falcons released a brief statement condemning the prank and clarifying that Jax Ulbrich has no official role with the team. “We do not condone this behavior and have taken steps to reinforce the importance of discretion and respect within our organization.”

But critics, including Stephen A. Smith, weren’t satisfied. “That’s weak,” he said on a follow-up show. “This was your coach’s son. He got that number through your building. If that’s not your responsibility, then whose is it?”

Shedeur Sanders’ Graceful Response

Throughout the ordeal, Shedeur Sanders handled the situation with poise. Though clearly disappointed in interviews, he refrained from lashing out. “At the end of the day, I’m thankful to be in the league. It’s not about who calls you—it’s about what you do when you get there,” he told reporters after officially being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round.

Deion Sanders, always outspoken, offered more pointed words: “You don’t play with a man’s future. I taught my son to be better than that, and I hope somebody teaches that young man the same.”

What Comes Next?

Stephen A. Smith has called for consequences—not just apologies. “This young man needs to face real accountability. Not cancelation—but education. Humility. He should have to look Shedeur in the eye and explain what the hell he was thinking.”

And while there are no signs that the NFL will impose formal sanctions on Jax Ulbrich, many believe the fallout may already be shaping perceptions. Ulbrich has reportedly deleted his social media accounts and removed his name from several public-facing projects. Though he’s not an NFL employee, the association with the league—and his father—means his actions reverberated far beyond what he likely intended.

At its core, this incident has served as a harsh reminder of what happens when immaturity intersects with privilege on a public stage. The NFL Draft is more than just a broadcast spectacle—it is, for the athletes involved, the pinnacle of years of sacrifice, discipline, and hope. To treat it as a joke is to ignore the depth of those dreams.

Stephen A. Smith’s blunt callout—”He needs an ass whipping”—wasn’t simply about punishment. It was about demanding a higher standard of empathy, respect, and maturity from those who orbit the world of professional sports.

As Smith himself concluded, “This ain’t about canceling nobody. It’s about recognizing that when you’re given access to greatness, you don’t use it to humiliate someone else. You rise to the moment—or get out the damn way.”