Brian Banks Signs with Locomotives
September 19, 2012 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Las Vegas Locomotives News Release
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 19, 2012 - Brian Banks will realize his dream of playing professional football after all, joining the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League as they prepare for their season opener at home Wednesday, Sept., 26, against the Virginia Destroyers. Banks and the Locomotives will hold a news conference to announce his signing on Thursday, Sept. 20, at their headquarters at 750 Pilot Road, Suite A, Las Vegas, NV., 89119. The news conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. PT (2 p.m. ET), and will follow the Locomotives' practice.
Banks, 26, a linebacker, was falsely accused of rape while in high school, accepted a plea bargain on the advice of counsel, and served 62 months in prison. His accuser later recanted, giving Banks back his good name but not the time lost from his life nor the full football scholarship he was due to receive from the University of Southern California.
"I know my story makes people angry at first," Banks told ESPN's Rick Reilly during an interview after the court dismissed all charges on May 24, 2012. "That's where I was, too, at first. But where would it have gotten to stay mad for 10 years -
Until his complete exoneration, Banks was on probation and had to wear an electronic monitor and register as a sex offender.
Banks, 6-2, 245 pounds, had several NFL tryouts in the spring. He also had a job offer from the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball to work in their front office. Football, however, remained his focus.
"We're very pleased to be able to welcome this young man to the UFL and give him an opportunity in football that was denied him years ago," said Locomotives coach Jim Fassel.
CBS' 60 Minutes is planning to follow Banks' journey and a documentary film is also being made. More information about Banks and his life is available at www.brianbanks.org.
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United Football League Stories from September 19, 2012
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- Kurt Schottenheimer Announced As New Head Coach Of Virginia Destroyers - Virginia Destroyers
- Brian Banks Signs with Locomotives - Las Vegas Locomotives
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