A former University of Alabama defensive end and his business partner are facing federal charges after allegedly using disguises, fake driver’s licenses and fabricated documents to impersonate three NFL players and fraudulently obtain nearly $20 million in loans.
Luther Davis, who played for the Crimson Tide from 2007 to 2010 and was a member of Alabama’s 2009 national championship team, and CJ Evins are accused of wire fraud and identity theft. A criminal information charging both men was filed March 19 in federal court in Atlanta. Plea hearings for both are scheduled for April 27.
Prosecutors allege that from May 2023 through October 2024, Davis and Evins created fake companies using variations of the players’ names and impersonated Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku and Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney to secure at least 13 loans totaling more than $19.8 million.
None of the players authorized the loans or knew about them, according to court documents. Davis allegedly appeared in person or via video at loan closings wearing wigs, makeup and counterfeit identification.
In one instance detailed in the filings, Davis posed as Njoku on Jan. 22, 2024, during a recorded video conference to close a $4 million promissory note with lender Aliya Sports Finance. He wore makeup and a wig, the documents state. A fake Georgia driver’s license he provided matched one belonging to a woman in Savannah, Ga., not Njoku.
Two months later, Davis allegedly impersonated McKinney to obtain a $4.4 million loan at the Ritz-Carlton in New York City. In July 2024, he posed as Penix — wearing a durag-style head covering and using a fake Florida license with a photo found online — to secure a $3.3 million loan in Buford, Ga.
Lenders wired the money to accounts controlled by Davis and Evins, who then transferred the funds to companies they actually owned, prosecutors said.
Davis was a top-150 high school recruit who recorded 47 tackles during his college career. In 2013, he was alleged to have served as an intermediary between Southeastern Conference players and NFL agents in a case involving impermissible benefits.
One lender, Aliya Sports Finance, filed a civil lawsuit in Florida in February 2025 against another firm involved in one of the transactions. The case remains pending.
Evins’ attorney told ESPN his client is scheduled to plead guilty. Davis’ attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The story was first reported by The Guardian.
