Former Alabama Tackle Accused of $20M Fraud Scheme Impersonating NFL Players

Prosecutors say Davis used makeup, wigs, and fake IDs to pose as pro athletes and bilk investors.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a blurred fake driver's license, conceptually illustrating the use of false identification in a financial fraud case.The use of disguises and fake identities exposed vulnerabilities in the financial system that enabled a multi-million dollar fraud scheme.Atlanta Today

A former University of Alabama defensive tackle named Luther Davis is accused of wearing makeup, wigs, and fake driver's licenses to impersonate NFL players in a $20 million fraud scheme. Davis and an accomplice, CJ Evins, allegedly used the disguises to convince investors to provide millions in loans that they then used to buy real estate, jewelry, and cars.

Why it matters

This case highlights the creative lengths some criminals will go to in order to perpetrate large-scale financial fraud, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in verifying identities, especially in the digital age. It also raises questions about the security measures in place to protect professional athletes from having their identities exploited.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Davis would don wigs and makeup to pose as different NFL players on video calls with investors. He and Evins then used the loans they obtained, totaling nearly $20 million from at least 13 fraudulent transactions, to purchase real estate, jewelry, and cars. The complaint states that none of the NFL players whose identities were used had authorized Davis and Evins to obtain the loans.

  • In early 2024, Davis impersonated an NFL player on a video call to finalize a $4 million loan.
  • In March 2024, Davis used a wig to impersonate a different NFL player on a video call.
  • In July 2024, Davis wore a do-rag-style head covering to impersonate a third NFL player on a video call.

The players

Luther Davis

A former defensive tackle at the University of Alabama who is accused of wearing makeup and wigs to impersonate NFL players in a $20 million fraud scheme.

CJ Evins

An accomplice of Davis who prosecutors say executed the fraud scheme with him.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have no additional comment.”

— Benjamin Alper, Attorney for CJ Evins

What’s next

Davis and Evins are scheduled to return to court on April 27 to enter a guilty plea.

The takeaway

This case highlights the creative lengths some criminals will go to in order to perpetrate large-scale financial fraud, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in verifying identities, especially in the digital age. It also raises questions about the security measures in place to protect professional athletes from having their identities exploited.