The journey is just beginning for Brian Banks, and today he encountered his first bump in the road as a NFL player.
SB Nation is reporting that the Falcons released Banks today in their final round of cuts.
Banks, 28, was a highly sought-after recruit who had committed to play college football for USC before being accused of rape in 2002.
He was convicted, and served five years in prison and spent five years on parole before Wanetta Gibson, the woman who claimed he raped her, was recanted her story in 2012. Banks was then exonorated and pardoned.
He signed with the Falcons in April.
He played in all four of Atlanta’s preseason games, totaling four tackles. He had two tackles in Thursday’s 20-16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
According to Jay Glazer, Banks gave an emotional speech in the locker room Thursday about “appreciating every second on the field.”
Glazer also Tweeted that Falcons owner Arthur Blank and his partners will try to find a career opportunity for Banks in Atlanta around the team.
Falcons are releasing @BrianBanksFREE. Hey brother, the dream isn't over, it was ACCOMPLISHED. However, Mr. … http://t.co/Yd8j71q3sj
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) August 30, 2013