Steve Keim, the former general manager of the Arizona Cardinals, recently disclosed that he fell victim to an alleged investment fraud perpetrated by Mohamed Coulibaly, a 24-year-old businessman who was found dead last month in a New Jersey pool.
According to various reports, including ESPN, Keim claimed he lost over $1 million of his own funds in this scheme, which involved Coulibaly’s e-commerce company, Motion Ventures. Notably, Keim indicated he never received any salary from the company. This information emerged following a Barron’s investigation that revealed Coulibaly allegedly attracted professional athletes to a fraudulent online store, siphoning off $1 million from three former NFL players.
Keim stated that Coulibaly had used his name to give legitimacy to the operation. “I haven’t been compensated at all. So it’s not just that my name was used—I am truly a victim,” he told ESPN.
Documentation obtained by Pro Football Talk (PFT) names Keim as “Chief Operations/Growth Officer” at Motion Ventures, positioning him as a significant figure alongside Coulibaly. The statement suggested that Keim’s role was vital in steering the company’s expansion and overall strategy.
Barron’s also revealed that the company generated fake sales reports to depict a successful online store. For instance, one site recorded a $5,000 order for numerous humidifiers and cup warmers, yet the individual listed as the recipient denied ever placing such an order. “Who needs 100 humidifiers and 120 cup warmers?” he remarked in disbelief.
Various athletes reportedly felt reassured by Keim’s involvement in the venture. Notable players such as Jalen Carter, Nakobe Dean, along with former professionals like Terrell Edmunds, Matt Breida, and Tae Crowder were mentioned. Keim mentioned he introduced the investment opportunity to friends and family, including John Schneider, the general manager of the Seattle Seahawks.
Keim noted that he had a disagreement with Coulibaly around the time of the latter’s surgery. Shortly before Coulibaly’s death, Keim traveled to Philadelphia to meet with bankers and has now engaged legal representation.
In related news, the Missouri attorney general has launched an investigation into ESPN analyst Matt Miller concerning fantasy football fraud, and NFL player Alshon Jeffery was arrested for insurance fraud earlier this year.
Coulibaly was discovered deceased on July 31 during a welfare check in Harrison Township, and authorities are currently investigating the circumstances, with no arrests or charges filed yet.
This report has stirred significant controversy online, particularly concerning involvement from Mr. Carter, whose name has surfaced among the athletes connected to the business venture.
