In the world of professional sports, pranks have almost become a rite of passage. From NBA stars filling rookie cars with popcorn to NFL veterans pulling locker room stunts, harmless jokes help lighten the intense pressure of elite competition. Even in the WNBA, players often find ways to laugh during the grind of long seasons.
But when a prank crosses the line and tampers with life-changing moments, it’s no longer a joke — it’s a problem. That’s exactly what happened recently to Shedeur Sanders during the NFL Draft process, and now a four-time WNBA champion has weighed in with a powerful message.
Sheryl Swoopes Has a Message Regarding the Shedeur Sanders Prank
Sheryl Swoopes, the iconic four-time WNBA champion and Hall of Famer, was not ready to accept the apology of Jax Ulbrich, who pulled a prank call on Sanders during draft day.
Taking to X, Swoopes didn’t hold back. She firmly shut down Ulbrich’s apology, making it clear that some mistakes are too serious for a simple apology. She also wrote a touching message to Sanders.
“Nah…. keep that apology! We got you over here @ShedeurSanders. ALL IN GOD’S TIMING! Go be great, kid!” wrote Swoopes on X.
But what was the prank actually about?
Sanders was anxiously awaiting his name to be called throughout the draft process — the culmination of years of hard work, dreams, and sacrifice. Then came a phone call, supposedly from the New Orleans Saints general manager, hinting that Sanders was about to be drafted.
For a moment, it seemed like the dream was becoming reality. But heartbreak followed just seconds later when it turned out to be a cruel prank by Ulbrich.
“On Friday night I made a tremendous mistake. 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.
“I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment. Thank you for accepting my call earlier today, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me,” wrote Ulbrich as an apology.
Pranking someone in that vulnerable, life-altering moment isn’t just thoughtless — it’s downright disrespectful. To make her stance even louder, Swoopes reposted a fan’s comment suggesting a fitting punishment for Ulbrich.
Fortunately, the story didn’t end on a sour note for Sanders. Less than 24 hours later, good news arrived. The Cleveland Browns selected him in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick, offering a well-deserved new beginning after the emotional rollercoaster.
At its best, sports can unite people with moments of joy, hope, and shared dreams. But as Swoopes reminded the world, they also demand respect, especially during life-defining chapters like draft day.
However, while Swoopes shut down Ulbrich here, there was a time when she faced a shutdown herself by an NBA veteran.