Prosecutors: Ex-Alabama football player used wigs and makeup to impersonate NFL athletes in alleged $20M fraud

(SeaPRwire) –   Early in 2024, a former University of Alabama defensive lineman used makeup and a wig to pose as an NFL player during a video call from a luxury hotel in suburban Atlanta, successfully securing a $4 million loan.

Luther Davis persuaded investors that the funds were intended for a professional football player, utilizing the disguise to successfully impersonate the athlete.

These specific allegations were detailed in a criminal complaint submitted last month by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta.

Federal authorities allege that Davis continued to use disguises—including a wig and a do-rag—during video calls in March and July to impersonate two additional NFL players, fraudulently obtaining millions more in loans. The complaint does not specify how these items assisted Davis in successfully assuming the identities of the three different players.

The document refers to the NFL players involved only by their initials.

Davis and CJ Evins, who prosecutors claim partnered in the operation, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Although both entered not guilty pleas in March, court records indicate they are set to return on April 27 to change their pleas to guilty.

Requests for comment sent to Davis’ attorney, Gabe Banks, were not immediately answered. Benjamin Alper, representing Evins, confirmed his client’s intent to plead guilty but declined to provide further comment.

According to the complaint, none of the NFL players had given Davis or Evins permission to secure loans on their behalf. Prosecutors state that in addition to the disguises, Davis utilized counterfeit driver’s licenses featuring photos of the players obtained from the internet.

The scheme reportedly generated nearly $20 million through at least 13 fraudulent loans, with the proceeds used by Davis and Evins to purchase real estate, vehicles, and jewelry.

Davis was a member of the 2010 national championship-winning Crimson Tide team.