The Atlanta Falcons have signed linebacker Brian Banks, as first reported by Jay Glazer of FOX Sports and then later made official by the team.
Brian Banks signs with Atlanta Falcons after wrongful conviction
Once falsely accused and locked up, Brian Banks is now getting a shot he deserved long ago, with the Falcons.
Banks was once a highly regarded football prospect and even committed to play for USC. However, Banks was accused of rape shortly thereafter. Banks spent five years in prison and another five on parole before being exonerated of his charges when the woman who had claimed to be the victim recanted her story.
Banks signed a contract with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League after trying out for the Seattle Seahawks, San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, among others, in 2012.
At 6'1'' and 240 pounds, Banks will be given the opportunity to compete for a spot in Atlanta's linebacker core alongside Sean Weatherspoon, Akeem Dent and Stephen Nicolas. Now 27 years old, Banks has a chance to make his dream of playing in the NFL come true.
Here’s Banks telling his story on The Tonight Show:
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