Ex-Alabama player pleads guilty to impersonating NFL players in fraud scheme

The ex-Alabama defensive tackle who impersonated NFL stars to get nearly $20 million in fraudulent loans pleaded guilty on Monday to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. 

Luther Davis copped to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft in federal court.

His co-conspirator, CJ Evins, also pleaded guilty to the charges. 

Both men face up to seven years in prison each, however, prosecutors recommended lower sentences as part of a plea deal, according to ESPN. 

Davis is scheduled to appear back in court for sentencing on Oct. 8, and Evins will appear for sentencing on Aug. 4. 

“Using fake documents, bogus corporations, wigs, and makeup, Davis and Evins convinced lenders they were NFL players, obtained millions of dollars in fraudulent loans, and used the proceeds of their crimes to purchase real estate and luxury items,” U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said in a statement. “This scheme highlights that anyone can be a target of identity theft, and my office will vigorously investigate and prosecute swindlers who steal identities to defraud others.”

In all, the pair obtained fraudulent loans that totaled $19,845,000 between May 26, 2023, and Oct. 25, 2024. 

“Davis and Evins built an elaborate scheme on deception—impersonating professional athletes, fabricating credentials, and even disguising themselves to close the deal,” Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, said in a statement. “This case underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting victims from complex financial fraud and identity theft. Those who exploit others’ reputations for personal gain will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice.”

Prosecutors said that the pair had been using the loans to pay off other loan balances and to fund a lavish lifestyle that included purchasing real estate, jewelry and watches. 

As part of the scheme, the two impersonated professional football players, appearing on camera at loan closings, wearing wigs and makeup to fool lenders. 

They would then sign the paperwork in the athletes’ names and then they would deposit the money into bank accounts Davis and Evins controlled.