Vikings want to try out exonerated LB Brian Banks, attorney says

The Minnesota Vikings apparently could become a part of one of the NFL offseason's most interesting stories.

The attorney for linebacker Brian Banks -- exonerated last month of a rape conviction for which he served five years in prison -- told the San Diego Union-Tribune the Vikings are interested in working out the onetime University of Southern California recruit.

Banks, 26, was a top recruit coming out high school but had to forfeit his scholarship to USC in 2002. He was released from prison in 2007, then spent five years on monitored parole until his accuser, a childhood friend, told police on May 24 she made up the story.

Since then, Banks has worked out for the Seattle Seahawks, who invited him to their upcoming minicamp, and the San Diego Chargers, who declined on Friday to offer him a contract. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll recruited Banks to USC.

Citing his attorney, the Union-Tribune reported the Vikings, Washington and San Francisco also want to try out Banks, who is an extreme long shot after a decade out of the game.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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