Davis and his alleged co-conspirator CJ Evins targeted Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku, and Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney. Prosecutors say Davis showed up at loan closings dressed in disguise with fake driver's licenses, using photos of the players found online. He allegedly wore makeup and a wig to impersonate Njoku in a 2024 video call for a $4 million loan, a durag to impersonate Penix, and impersonated McKinney to sign for a $4.4 million loan at the Ritz-Carlton in New York City on April 1, 2024. None of the NFL players attended any loan closings; Davis dressed in disguise and impersonated them with fake identification. Davis also allegedly secured a $3.3 million promissory note from another lender over a video call in July 2024.
Evins will plead guilty in the case. Davis and Evins fraudulently obtained at least thirteen loans totaling more than $19,845,000, using the nearly $20 million to buy real estate, jewelry, and cars. None of the NFL players authorized Davis and Evins to obtain loans.
Davis and Evins are charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. They pleaded not guilty in March but are scheduled to return to court on April 27 to enter a guilty plea. Both defendants are due back in court on April 27. In a related case, lender Aliya Sports Finance has sued underwriter Sure Sports, alleging negligence, gross negligence, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment. Key unknowns include what specific evidence prosecutors have beyond the disguises and fake IDs, whether any impersonated NFL players have made public statements, and the status of the nearly $20 million obtained fraudulently.