Pride Ink Banks to Historic Contract
Published on March 23, 2007 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
New Jersey Pride News Release
CLIFTON - In a landmark move, the New Jersey Pride announced today that the team has extended the contract of attackman Liam Banks through the 2009 season, marking the first time any player in Major League Lacrosse history has signed such a lengthy contract (three years).
"This is an historic moment for the league, but even more than that for the Pride,'' said New Jersey General Manager Trey Reeder. "In signing Liam to this contract, we've ensured that we will have one of the toughest and most durable attackman on the field for the foreseeable future.''
Banks had signed a two-year agreement with the team prior to the 2006 season, but the Pride wasted no time when Banks expressed his interest to remain with the franchise for the long haul.
"I love playing in the league and the opportunities it has presented me beyond my collegiate career," Banks said. He currently runs his highly successful LB3 Lacrosse Camps near his home in North Wales, Pennsylvania.
Banks was selected by the Philadelphia Barrage in the 2004 Supplemental Draft before being picked up as a free-agent in that same season by the Pride. He was a four-year starter at Syracuse from 1999-2003, twice being named an All-American. In 2000 he led Syracuse to a national championship behind a six-goal effort, earning him the Most Outstanding Player award.
"Liam has progressed significantly at the professional level since he came into the league a couple of years ago," said Reeder. "His dedication to the sport both on and off the field has been a tremendous asset to the Pride."
Banks was fourth on the Pride with 34 points in 2006, scoring 18 goals (one 2-point goal) and handing out 15 assists in 11 games, putting him just behind the team's trio of top scorers, Scott Urick, Jesse Hubbard and Adam Doneger. He added 18 assists in the 2005 season, finishing with 34 points.
"You look at the commitment that Liam is making to this team and to this league, and from my perspective, those are the kind of guys you want out there playing for you,'' Reeder said. "He is basically saying, 'this is where I want to be' and I respect that.''
Banks was equally as committal to the team and to the long-term success of the league, saying: "Major League Lacrosse is heading in a direction that I wanted to be a part of going forward."
The Pride open their season on Friday, May 18, when they host the Washington Bayhawks at Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 pm and tickets are currently available by calling 973-614-1792.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from March 23, 2007
- Pride Ink Banks to Historic Contract - New Jersey Pride
- PAETEC Park hosts three high school lacrosse games Saturday - Dallas Rattlers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
