Ex-Alabama player wore wigs and makeup to impersonate NFL stars in fraud case

Luther Davis, who won a national championship with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2010, and his co-conspirator, CJ Evins, used fake bank accounts to convince lenders they were dealing with real players.

The Guardian reported, citing sources, that the pair impersonated players such as Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix, Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, and former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku.

Here's the full lowdown.

Davis' $20m fraud scheme

The former defensive tackle appeared in federal court in Atlanta and entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

His co-conspirator, CJ Evins, 29, pleaded guilty to the same two charges.

Neither man commented as they left the court. Davis, 37, will be sentenced in October and Evins in August.

Both face up to seven years, though prosecutors have agreed to recommend reduced sentences as part of plea deals.

Stephen Dunn / Staff

Wigs, makeup and fake IDs

The scheme ran from May 2023 to October 2024 and netted nearly $20 million in fraudulent loans.

Davis and Evins used fake bank accounts, bogus corporations, and counterfeit email addresses as part of the scheme.

When lenders set up video calls to verify identities, Davis dressed up in wigs, makeup, and a do-rag-style head covering.

He also presented fake driver's licences featuring photos of players easily found online. The lenders didn't realise anything was wrong until months after releasing the funds.

None of the players whose identities were used had authorised any of it.

Prosecutors say the conspirators used these identities to secure at least a dozen fraudulent loans. The money was spent on real estate, jewellery and cars.

Lenders defrauded included Aliya Sports Finance Fund, a brokerage firm that arranges financial deals for professional athletes.

The New York Times reported that Aliya is currently suing Sure Sports in Florida, alleging it failed to verify that Davis and Evins were the players they claimed to be.

Security for the NFL Players Association uncovered the fraud after discovering that counterfeit player contracts had been used as collateral.

From Saban's Alabama to the court

Davis played for the Crimson Tide from 2007 to 2010, appearing in 45 games under Nick Saban and winning the BCS national championship in Saban's third season as head coach. He never played in the NFL.

The FBI is continuing to investigate the fraud scheme. It remains unclear whether further charges against Davis or Evins are expected, or whether additional individuals will face prosecution.