49ers Coach Leonard Hankerson Comments on Daejon Love Fraud Case

San Francisco 49ers wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson made a social media post regarding Daejon Love, who is accused by federal prosecutors of posing as a 49ers player while allegedly committing romance and investment fraud. Hankerson's Instagram post featured an altered image of him coaching Love, who is 35 years old. The post did not include a lengthy explanation. Former 49ers receiver Kendrick Bourne commented on the post, saying, "Man I knew you was coaching him," to which Hankerson replied, "Man I hate we lost him…. He was balling!!!" This exchange gained traction on social media, with fans creating fictional narratives about Love's supposed career with the 49ers and commenting on the details of the case. Love and an alleged accomplice, Taylor Chan, were arrested at Boise Airport on August 24 and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Prosecutors allege that Love misrepresented himself as either a 49ers player or a wealthy real estate investor, while Chan acted as his financial adviser. Authorities report that at least 26 identified victims sent the pair approximately $1.3 million, and the FBI believes there may be more victims. Videos and social media posts related to Love's alleged football persona have emerged, including one where he staged a 49ers signing day and another where he pointed to a Google AI result incorrectly identifying him as a San Francisco wide receiver. This has led to ongoing jokes among 49ers fans about Love's fictional statistics and place on the team.