Some unfortunate news has come in for former Alabama DT Luther Davis, as he finds himself on the wrong side of the law. Davis pleaded guilty to impersonating NFL stars to get nearly $20 million in fraudulent loans, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft charges.

Davis was one of Nick Saban's early recruits at Alabama, playing defensive tackle from 2007 to 2010. During his collegiate career with the Crimson Tide, he won the BCS National Championship in 2009.

According to Sports Reference, Davis recorded 47 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and an interception during his four-year tenure with the Crimson Tide.

However a decade later, he is looking at a prison sentence that can put him behind bars for a minimum of seven years. His co-conspirator, CJ Evins, also pleaded guilty to the charges. 

According to a report from the Guardian, Davis used to wear several disguises on video calls in order to obtain the loans. Davis reportedly impersonated Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. and Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney on those calls.

Luther Davis has admitted to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft in federal court. However, their lawyers have negotiated lighter entences as their clients have accepted a plea deal.

In the ongoing investigation, various evidence have been highlighted by the U.S. District Judge of their fraudulent activities and even required the intervention of U.S. attorneys.

U.S. Attorney's Statement on the Davis Situation

Luther Davis is scheduled to appear back in court for sentencing on October 8, and Evins will appear for sentencing on Aug. 4. It remains to be seen what the district judge decides for him and his accomplice, CJ Evins.

"Using fake documents, bogus corporations, wigs, and makeup, Davis and Evins convinced lenders they were NFL players, obtained millions of dollars in fraudulent loans, and used the proceeds of their crimes to purchase real estate and luxury items," said  U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg in an official statement.

Hertzberg's stance on the matter shows that he isn't taking this matter lightly by any means. He has indicated to take swift action against anyone who continues to use such illicit means to gain monetary benefits.

"This scheme highlights that anyone can be a target of identity theft, and my office will vigorously investigate and prosecute swindlers who steal identities to defraud others," Hertzberg added.

So far, the pair has obtained fraudulent loans that totaled $19,845,000 between May 26, 2023, and Oct. 25, 2024. 

In light of the investigation, the duo used the loans to pay off to fund their lavish lifestyle. It included purchasing real estate, jewelry, and watches. To make matters look believable, they even used disguises that included wearing wigs and makeup.

Taking the bait, the bank agencies would then sign the paperwork in the athletes’ names. Furthermore, they would deposit the money into bank accounts Davis and Evins controlled.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Rishab Nandi