Yesterday the Falcons made a historic signing when they agreed to terms with linebacker Brian Banks. Banks of course is famously known for serving five years in prison after being falsely accused of rape.
Banks who was supposed to attend USC on a football scholarship is now getting the chance to live out his dreams as a pro. Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff thinks Banks has a great story, but made it clear according to NFL.com that “this is not a charity case,” this is strictly about football.
“This isn’t a charity case. This is a great feel good story, but it’s also one we believe he has a chance to come in here and compete,” Dimitroff said Thursday on “NFL AM”.
Dimitroff was asked on NFL AM what about Banks made him enticing enough to sign.
“Combine all his character and all of his drive, work ethic, along with all the training he’s been doing lately,” Dimitroff said before talking about Banks’ on-field prowess. “Think about this. This isn’t just a guy that’s just slopping around. This guy is 6-footb-2, 250 pounds. Runs (the 40-yard dash) in the low 4.8s (seconds). Can get better with that? His functional movement skills were very good. We like how he’s developed.”
Brian Banks doesn’t have a guaranteed deal or a contract for millions, but he does have a shot, and that’s all he truly wanted.