In 2002, top high school football prospect Brian Banks was falsely accused of rape, landing him in prison and ruining his chances at accepting a USC scholarship and potential football career. After his accuser recanted her story, leading to his release last Thursday, it appears as though some of Banks’ dreams may actually come true.
Brian Banks Plans NFL Workouts After Conviction Is Overturned
Brian Banks, falsely accused of rape, has been freed after 10 years. The former top high school prospect is getting a chance to work out with some NFL teams.
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Bill Hanstock is a writer, author and Emmy Award-winning producer. He began writing for SB Nation in 2011.
Rick Reilly at ESPN.com reports that Banks will receive one-day workouts with four NFL teams. While the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs are not offering any spots in their training camps, Banks is just thrilled at the opportunity.
“I’ll make ‘em happy,” says Banks, who’s been training non-stop since October. “After all I’ve been through these last 10 years, I can still do some things that will impress you.”
Like ... dead-lift 545 pounds, box jump 55 inches flat-footed, broad jump 10-plus feet and run a 4.6 40, all at 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds. NFL trainer Gavin Macmillan, who has volunteered to train Banks for free, says he has a shot. “You see him run and you can see why USC wanted him.”
For the moment, it appears as though Banks has no shortage of job opportunities, including an offer from the Arizona Diamondbacks to work in the front office.
No matter where Banks ends up, this is a truly inspiring redemption story.
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