NFL and Athlete Identity Theft

Former Alabama offensive lineman Luther Davis has been charged in a wide-ranging identity and loan fraud scheme in which prosecutors say he used disguises, fake identification and impersonations of NFL players to obtain nearly $20 million in loans from lenders. Authorities allege Davis donned wigs and other props to pose as professional athletes, a tactic that enabled the scheme to operate long enough to attract federal attention and formal charges; he is accused, not convicted, and details in charging documents describe an elaborate pattern of misrepresentation aimed at securing credit under elite player identities.