football

Former Alabama player accused of impersonating ex-Browns TE David Njoku to scam millions

Yahoo Sports

An ex-Alabama defensive lineman allegedly impersonated three NFL players using makeup and wigs in a $20 million loan scam.

A former Alabama defensive lineman allegedly orchestrated an impersonation scheme of multiple NFL players — including former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku — 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 former Alabama safety Xavier McKinney and Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

, according to the report. All three of the players were unaware of the alleged scheme. 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.