LAS VEGAS – Brian Banks, a one-time high school football star who was recently exonerated in a California rape case in which he was falsely accused, is finally getting a chance to play professional football.
The 26-year-old Banks, a linebacker, is signing with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League, the team said in a statement Wednesday.
The Locomotives are scheduled to play the Mountain Lions at Raley Field on Oct. 10 and Nov. 7.
Banks served more than five years in prison following a conviction a decade ago on rape and kidnapping charges. The woman later recanted her claim and offered to help Banks clear his name.
Banks and the Locomotives will announce the signing today.
Locomotives coach Jim Fassel said the team is pleased to give Banks "an opportunity in football that was denied him years ago."
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