Exonerated LB Banks Signs With The Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA (AP) – Brian Banks has signed with the Atlanta Falcons after the former Southern Cal recruit’s football dream was derailed when he was convicted of rape and kidnapping charges a decade ago.

The linebacker will participate in Atlanta’s offseason workouts with a chance to resume his career. Banks has been trying to get back into football since he was cleared on May 12, 2012, of a rape conviction.

He took part in the Seattle Seahawks’ minicamp last June.

The 27-year-old Banks was 16 and had a scholarship offer from USC when a high school classmate accused him of the rape. He spent five years in jail but was freed when the accuser changed her story.