Exonerated LB Banks signs with the Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA – 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 Falcons have scheduled a conference call for Wednesday with Banks.

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.

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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