After serving five years in prison for being wrongfully accused of rape, Brian Banks got a tryout with the Seattle Seahwaks. Banks was a standout high school football player and USC recruit before being convicted of sexual assault in 2003 at age 16.
“He was once in our sights, knowing he had potential to be a special football player,” said Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. “Here’s a young man who has a second chance at his dream. I just think he deserves it. We’re going to give him a real good look.”
Banks pleaded no contest, and while he was paroled, he had to wear a tracking device requiring him to stay in Los Angles county. After his accuser Facebook friended him, Banks was able to clear his name by an audio recording of her admitting the false accusation.
After the tryout Banks said,“This is by far the second best day of my life — May 24, my day of exoneration, and today. Just being out here on the field and work out with the Seahawks and to be given an opportunity to have a tryout, I don’t really have words for it. It’s a dream come true. I know a lot of people work hard to get to this point. I’ve worked hard myself and I’m just thankful for this opportunity.”
Along with the Seahawks Banks also recieved a tryout invitation with the Kansas City Cheifs, but if football doesn’t work out Banks can look into the entertainment industry after he was a guest on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
