Ex-Alabama player impersonated Falcons' Michael Penix in $20M scam

Former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Luther Davis is pleading guilty to impersonating NFL players in a $20 million fraudulent loan scheme. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku were among the players impersonated in the scam.

Davis and his partner, CJ Evins, allegedly used false identification documents to set up fake companies and would wear elaborate disguises to impersonate NFL players at loan closings. "First, Davis and Evins would register at the Georgia secretary of state companies with names closely related to the impersonated player’s name or initials, the CI filing said," wrote Daniel Kaplan of The Guardian . "They would allegedly open bank accounts for these fake companies, and then create fraudulent email accounts that were purportedly used by the players they were impersonating.

" Penix was the target of a $3. 3 million scam in which the impersonator allegedly wore a durag during the fake loan closing. "And for the fake Penix closing on 25 July 2024, Davis wore a durag and provided a fake Florida driver’s license, according to the CI filing," added Kaplan.

"Penix is often seen wearing a durag on the sidelines during NFL games. " In total, the scam included 13 fake loans and nearly $20 million in stolen funds. It's important to note that the NFL players were in no way involved.