Former Alabama lineman uses makeup, wig to allegedly impersonate NFL players in loan scam

A former Alabama defensive lineman allegedly orchestrated an impersonation scheme of multiple NFL players — including former Alabama safety Xavier McKinney and Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. — to defraud lenders out of $20 million in loans, according to a report from The Guardian on Wednesday, April 15.

Luther Davis, who was a part of Alabama's national championship team in 2009-10, was using disguises to dress up as NFL players during loan closings. He also impersonated Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku, according to the report. All three of the players were unaware of the alleged scheme.

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Davis, along with partner CJ Evins, obtained at least 13 loans totaling $19,845,000, according to the criminal information document obtained by The Guardian. The duo plans to plead guilty, hence the criminal information document being filed by an attorney.

Davis is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identify theft, according to the report. The scheme took place during a 17-month period starting around May 2023.

Davis and Evins impersonated Njoku to secure a $4.025 million loan from Aliya Sports. They also secured a $4.35 million loan for impersonating McKinney and $3.3 million for impersonating Penix Jr., according to the report.

According to the report, the alleged scheme involved multiple phases, including the use of fake identification using the impersonated players' names. They also fabricated financial statements and made fake emails with the players' names.

Davis also went as far as allegedly wearing a wig and makeup in loan meetings, according to the report. While impersonating Njoku, he also showed a fake Georgia driver's license that had a picture of Njoku on it and was linked to a driver's license number from a woman in Savannah, Georgia.

Davis also wore a durag while impersonating Penix Jr., as Penix Jr. is typically seen wearing one on the sidelines and under his helmets during games.

In 2013, Davis reportedly served as an intermediary between five college players — including former Alabama All-American D.J. Fluker and Mississippi State standout Fletcher Cox — and NFL agents and financial advisers, funneling money totaling $45,500. Davis was reportedly a "runner" for agents.

Davis was a highly touted high school recruit out of West Monroe, Louisiana, holding offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State and LSU, among others. He finished his four-year career with 47 total tackles — eight for loss — in 45 career games with the Crimson Tide.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former Alabama DL allegedly impersonates NFL players in $20 million loan scam