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Exonerated LB Banks signs with the Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons
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ATLANTA (AP) - Brian Banks has signed with the Atlanta Falcons after the former Southern Cal recruit's football dream was derailed when he was convicted of rape and kidnapping charges a decade ago.

The linebacker will participate in Atlanta's offseason workouts with a chance to resume his career. Banks has been trying to get back into football since he was cleared on May 12, 2012, of a rape conviction.

He took part in the Seattle Seahawks' minicamp last June.

The Falcons have scheduled a conference call for Wednesday with Banks.

The 27-year-old Banks was 16 and had a scholarship offer from USC when a high school classmate accused him of the rape. He spent five years in jail but was freed when the accuser changed her story.