Seahawks Invite Brian Banks Back for Mini Camp

The team saw enough at a tryout this morning to invite the former California high school star back for a second look.

Two weeks after he was exonerated of charges of rape and kidnapping, Brian Banks had an audition at the Seahawks’ facility with just the Seahawks’ coaches, including Pete Carroll, who offered him a scholarship to USC almost 10 years ago.

That was before Banks was accused of rape, pleading no contest and sentenced to six years in prison. He served more than five years, and has been on parole ever since until his accuser admitted the allegation was made up. That led to his exoneration last week in California Superior Court, and on Wednesday night, he boarded a plane for the first time in 15 years, bound for Seattle.

Carroll said “This was a guy who just deserved it.”

“Regardless of how it turns out, it’s the fact that he’s made it to this point and he’s going to get this opportunity, I hope it helps other people,” Carroll said. “That’s an emotional exchange, it’s worth passing along.”

Banks said he has to talk things over with his agent about taking Seattle’s offer. He has been offered tryouts with at least 5 other NFL teams.

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