A week after being exonerated, former USC recruit Brian Banks, who already served an over-five-year sentence behind bars on a rape conviction before alleged accuser and awful human being Wanetta Gibson admitted to making up her story, is working on making his football comeback.
Banks, 26, last played in 2002 at Long Beach (Calif.) Poly High School when he was a 16-year-old linebacker committed to play for USC. And then his life was turned upside down. But despite the nearly decade-long layoff, he’s received invitations (likely out of goodwill) to try out for four teams — the Redskins, Chiefs, Dolphins and Seahawks — since being cleared of charges.
According to ESPN’s Rick Reilly, the Redskins, Chiefs and Dolphins came calling on Tuesday after the Seahawks reportedly reached out to Banks over the weekend. He’ll work out for Seattle on June 7. He already has a connection to the Seahawks that most people might not pick up immediately: Pete Carroll was the head coach at USC during Banks’ recruitment.
“I’ll make ’em happy,” Banks told Reilly. “After all I’ve been through these last 10 years, I can still do some things that will impress you.”
Banks has been working out since October, but despite his confidence, it’s probably safe to assume he’s a long shot to make an NFL squad. But we’re definitely pulling for him. And if this NFL thing doesn’t work out, Banks has already received other job offers, including one for a front office position with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sounds like this kid is going to be all right.
