Brian Banks, the Long Beach high school football player who was falsely accused of rape in 2002, as an incoming Senior in high school, has now expressed interest in trying out for two NFL teams.
Banks was in Kansas City on Tuesday for a private workout with the Chiefs but did not attend a minicamp practice, according to an item on the team’s website. Head coach Romeo Crennel has yet to comment on the 26-year-old’s performance.
At the time of his arrest in 2002, the 17-year-old middle linebacker was drawing attention from USC, UCLA and other schools, he said, even though he had just completed his junior year of high school.
When news of Banks’ exoneration hit the football world, many teams showed interest in Banks. LA Times reports that he worked out with the Seahawks last week, and will attend their minicamp.
“He deserved a chance,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters after Thursday’s workout. “This is a guy who deserved it.”
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Good for him
It’s scary stuff though: 10 years! I hope he can make up for lost time.
I hate football, but if any team signs Banks, I will watch every game. Thousands of other men will do the same.
Bank’s story is powerful and compelling. If America cannot find compassion for this man, then American cannot find compassion for any man.
Hope he succeeds!