A recent ESPN report suggests that a former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive end has been facing charges for approximately $20M fraud and identity theft.

Michael Rothstein of ESPN reported that Luther Davis "used wigs and fake driver's licenses" to impersonate three NFL players. It was to lure investors into providing him with loans.

Those three NFL players are Michael Penix Jr., David Njoku, and Xavier McKinney.

None of those three NFL players permitted him to obtain loans, as mentioned in the complaint.

The complaint states that the scheme brought in nearly $20M for Davis and his partner, CJ Evins, per ESPN. And they used it to purchase luxuries for themselves, such as real estate, jewelry, and cars.

The Guardian reported that the scam was described in detail by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

He depicted the accused’s disguises during the 13 fraudulent schemes on different occasions. But the complaint included only three of them, using the initials of those NFL players—D.N., X.M., and M.P.

Davis wore a wig and makeup to impersonate tight end Njoku for a video conference with Aliya Sports Finance and Sure Sports. It was to secure a $4M promissory note on January 22, 2024.

When asked for his ID, Davis provided them with a fake Georgia driver’s license, which Njoku reportedly claimed he never had.

Two months later, a similar incident happened with McKinney. Davis and his partner flew from Atlanta to New York to meet the same lenders and acquired $4.4M while Davis impersonated McKinney.

Around four months after that, Davis impersonated Penix with a “durag-style head covering” during a meeting at SpringHill Suits in Buford, Georgia, to secure a $3.3M loan.

Since then, according to court records, in February 2025, Aliya Sports sued Sure Sports for negligence, gross negligence, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment.

"The Aliya Sports Finance Fund, L.P. is working to protect its investors from improper conduct that has caused damage to the fund," Aliya attorney Josh Rubens wrote in an email to ESPN. "The fund cannot comment further given the pending litigation."

Are Luther Davis and CJ Evins Pleading Guilty?

CJ Evins, the partner in crime of Luther Davis, is accused in another separate filing where he is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in the same case.

He is also the founder and operator of Deed Chasers LLC.

“Founder and operator of Deed Chasers LLC, a company registered in the State of Georgia. Deed Chasers LLC served as the registered agent for companies that appeared to be associated with certain professional football players," read the court filings, per the Guardian.

Davis’ attorney didn’t comment on the situation. However, Evins’ attorney, Ben Apler, responded that his client is scheduled to plead guilty on April 27.

In March, they both pleaded not guilty. But according to the Northern District of Georgia court docket, Davis and Evins have both notified the court that the “defendant intends to enter a plea of guilty.”

Read more on the Michigan Football Community.

Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore