Former Alabama Player Charged in $20 Million Fraud Scheme Impersonating NFL Athletes

Federal prosecutors have charged a former Alabama football player with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a scheme that netted nearly $20 million through impersonation of NFL players. The individual, along with a partner, allegedly posed as professional athletes to obtain loans from multiple lenders between May 2023 and October 2024.

Details of

the Alleged Fraud Court documents detail how the accused used wigs, makeup, and fake driver's licenses to impersonate specific NFL players during loan closings.

, tight end David Njoku, and Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, all without their knowledge or consent. Prosecutors state that fake email accounts, bank statements, and company registrations were created to support the fraudulent applications.

Specific Incidents and Loans In

one instance on January 22, 2024, the primary suspect allegedly impersonated David Njoku during a video conference to secure a $4 million promissory note from lenders Aliya Sports Finance and Sure Sports.

4 million loan. On July 26, 2024, the suspect posed as Michael Penix Jr. 3 million note while wearing a head covering and presenting a fabricated Florida license. " — Court documents, as reported by Fox News.

8 million were secured, with funds wired to accounts controlled by the suspects and then transferred to their own companies.

Legal Proceedings and Related Actions

The suspects, identified as Luther Davis and CJ Evins, are scheduled for a plea hearing on April 27, 2026, where they are expected to plead guilty.

Each faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. A civil lawsuit filed in February 2025 by Aliya Sports Finance against Sure Sports alleges negligence and seeks to recover damages from the fraudulent transactions. P.

" — Josh Rubens, attorney for Aliya, in an email to ESPN (April 16, 2026). The court filing was submitted on March 19, 2026, in Atlanta, according to federal records.

Background on the

Primary Suspect Luther Davis played defensive end for Alabama, appearing in 45 games and recording 47 tackles during his college career.

He won the 2009 national championship with the Crimson Tide after switching commitments from LSU. Xavier McKinney is also an Alabama alumnus, adding a connection to one of the impersonated players.