Report: Penix, Njoku among targets in fraud case
A former Alabama defensive end is accused of using wigs and fake IDs to impersonate NFL players to secure nearly $20 million in fraudulent loans, with a report identifying Michael Penix Jr., David Njoku and Xavier McKinney as the targeted players.
A former Alabama football player faces charges of wire fraud and identity theft after he allegedly used wigs and fake driver's licenses to impersonate NFL players for the purpose of securing nearly $20 million in loans, according to federal court records.
Prosecutors allege that Luther Davis pretended to be three different NFL players from May 2023 until October 2024 to secure loans from multiple lending agencies.
The players whose identities were allegedly used are Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. , former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku and Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney , according to a report.
The court documents state that none of the players had authorized the loans and that fake email accounts were created without their knowledge.
Plea hearings are scheduled for April 27 for Davis and CJ Evins, Davis' partner in the alleged scheme. Evins is listed in a separate filing alleging wire fraud and identity theft charges in the same case, and his attorney, Ben Alper, told ESPN in an email Thursday his client is scheduled to plead guilty.
Davis' attorney did not immediately respond to an ESPN request for comment.