Brian Banks To Return To Seattle For Seahawks Minicamp
SEATTLE (CBS) — Exonerated former Long Beach Poly football star Brian Banks will return to Pacific Northwest Wednesday where he will workout at the Seattle Seahawks minicamp.
Banks was invited to the three day-long practice last week following a successful initial tryout with the team on June 7. On Wednesday, he will work out and interact with other players and coaches.
"Here's a young man who has an opportunity to get a second chance at his dream, and I just think he deserves it," head coach Pete Carroll said.
Carroll, who headed the University of Southern California to seven consecutive BCS bowl appearances, recruited Banks out of high school. He was a star middle linebacker with a full scholarship to USC, but he was unable to accept the scholarship after he was arrested and charged with sexual assault at the age of 16.
Banks served five years in prison and five years on parole before having his conviction overturned on May 24 with the help of the California Innocence Project.
"This is what I have dreamed about my entire life," said Banks. "I am ready to show the NFL what I am capable of doing. I want as many opportunities with as many NFL teams who are willing to give me a shot."
Several teams have expressed interest in Banks. On Tuesday, he tried out for the Kansas City Chiefs and practiced with the San Diego Charges last week.
The Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49'ers have also scouted Banks.
