Prosecutors: Collector used fake Heisman to secure loan

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHICAGO (AP) Federal prosecutors in Chicago have filed fraud charges against an Arkansas sports memorabilia collector, accusing him of defrauding investors by offering a phony Heisman Trophy as collateral for a $100,000 loan.

John Rogers of North Little Rock was charged with one count of wire fraud. According to court papers filed Friday, Rogers took a ceremonial Heisman Trophy that was awarded in 1960 to the emcee of the awards banquet and affixed a new nameplate, making it appear as if it had been given to the top college football player of the year.

The Chicago Tribune reports that Rogers' trophy purported to be from Oklahoma running back Billy Sims, who is one of the few Heisman winners to sell his trophy.

Rogers apologized for his actions Monday in a Facebook post.