Atlanta Falcons lose 2016 Draft Pick, Fined $350K for Fake Noise Scandal

The NFL will fine the Atlanta Falcons $350,000 for pumping crowd noise inside Georgia Dome during home games over the past two seasons.

As a part of the penalty, the Falcons will lose a fifth-round draft pick in 2016. The league stated that if the Falcons have multiple picks in the fifth-round, they would have to forfeit the highest one.

"What took place was wrong and nowhere near the standards by which we run our business," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. "Anytime there are actions that compromise the integrity of the NFL or threaten the culture of our franchise, as this issue did, they will be dealt with swiftly and strongly."

Blank, who called the scandal "embarrassing" last month, also said that they would not appeal the punishment.

He added, "The League conducted a thorough investigation of this matter, and we cooperated fully...we have addressed the matter internally and taken actions to ensure that something like this does not happen again. The Falcons and all of our other businesses are built upon a foundation of values that drive our decision making. This issue was a clear failure in that regard. I apologize for any embarrassment this situation has caused the NFL, our fans, and our Falcons players and associates."

The investigation discovered that former director of marketing for the Falcons, Roddy White was "directly responsible for the violation."

The Falcons president, Rich McKay will be suspended from the NFL's competition committee from April 1 through to at least June 30. Although McKay was unaware of White's violations, he is being punished for "failing to ensure that the franchise compiled with league rules."

The league also punished the Cleveland Browns on Monday. Browns general manager Ray Farmer was suspended four games for using an electronic device during a game, which violates the NFL's electronic device policy. The Browns did not lose any of their draft picks.