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(AP) |
Former football prospect revives NFL dreams hindered by false rape accusations
A former high school football star is once again pursuing his dream of becoming an NFL player after being exonerated of rape charges.
Brian Banks was cleared of his charges last week after his accuser Wanetta Gibson admitted that her story about sexual assault ten years ago was completely fictional.
After reviving his tarnished reputation, the 26-year-old linebacker will try out for numerous NFL teams. He says he has been training ‘nonstop’ since October.
“After all I’ve been through these last 10 years, I can still do some things that will impress you,” Banks told ESPN.
Many sports fans are watching to see if the former top prospect will complete the climb back to the top and reach football’s ultimate stage. Banks was heavily recruited by several colleges, and was offered full athletic scholarship from USC before he was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison.
According to news reports, Banks was contacted by Gibson via Facebook some time after he got out of prison.
Gibson wrote that she knew Banks was innocent but had refrained from revealing the truth because she did not want to give up $1.5 million payment she won in a lawsuit against long beach schools for "not providing a safe environment." She also urged Banks “let bygones be bygones.”
Banks said he will not be pressing charges against Gibson.
From news reports
