Brian Banks Given Second Chance

Who said that second chances don't exist?  Well for Brian Banks he's learning first hand that second chances do exist.  In case you haven't heard the story, Brian Banks was a middle linebacker for Long Beach Polytechnic High School who attracted interest from several big name colleges football programs including USC, Ohio State, and Michigan.  When Banks was 17, a childhood friend accused him of raping her.  Banks was arrested and charged with rape in 2002 after his counsel advised him to plead no to contest and an enhancement of kidnapping in order to avoid a life sentence if a jury found him guilt even though there was no evidence of rape when the accuser was examined.

Banks has recently be exonerated of the rape conviction that put him in prison for five years after his accuser recanted her statement.  Since Banks story has come out he has received an offer to work in the front office of the Arizona Diamondbacks as well as interest from several different NFL teams.  Banks has been training nonstop since October and finally his hard work is starting to pay off.  Banks stated "After all I've been through these last ten years I can still do some things that will impress you."  Banks worked out with the San Diego Chargers this past Friday but left without a contract.  Since Banks have accepted the offer of the Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll and will get a formal tryout with the Seahawks during their upcoming minicamp beginning Tuesday, Banks is schedule to begin tryouts Wednesday.  The Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, and San Francisco 49ers are a few other teams that would like to workout with Banks.

"He has the speed and the strength.  Certainly has the heart.  I hope he gets the attention of people in the sports world." -Justin Brooks, Banks' lawyer