She take my money when I’m in need,
Yeah she’s a trifling friend indeed,
Oh she’s a gold digger way over town,
That digs on me.
– Kanye West, “Gold digger”
I don’t know if she was digging for future gold or just flat-out playing on a man’s hard work and athleticism – his athleticism which had earned him a full ride to USC to play football for the Trojans. Whatever her motivation, Wanetta Gibson falsely accused Brian Banks of sexual assault ten long years ago.
Banks, now 26, was freed from his life behind bars in February of 2011 and has since pushed himself further than many men could ever do. After spending six years in prison, instead of giving in to the negativity that can so easily take come to possess you in a in barracks of cells, Banks remained positive and filled with self-belief.
The passion and desire of Banks something many people could learn a great deal from. How do you lose your scholarship to one of the nations best football programs, then watch six years of your life waste away, yet remain so focused one your original goal of playing pro football and standing by the one thing you love – the game?
Since making his desire known that he wants to go pro, the former Long Beach Poly superstar has had try-outs with the San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks so far, but with no luck as of yet. This appears to be due to conditioning as Banks hasn’t had the opportunity to play games and remain in full contact shape while locked away, all due to dishonesty.
A couple of positives have come out of the tryouts Banks has taken part in so far. Just announced yesterday was the fact that Banks ran a 4.77 forty-yard dash. Try running that yourself after not being locked away to rot for something you never did. Also, Pete Carroll, who had recruited Banks and gave him a two-day tryout, loved his character, but cited conditioning as as the reason for letting him go. Banks still has another shot, as he will be getting a try-out with the San Francisco 49ers.
I think the 49ers are the perfect place for Banks. Here’s why: San Francisco has one of the league’s strongest defenses, and a locker room full of great leaders, including a beast in Patrick Willis leading the linebacking squad, which is where Banks dreams to play. Banks’ drive and determination are something you can not teach, and a lot of players could benefit from his experience and will to play, his love for the game, and how he almost enjoys getting chewed out by coaches because as he said, he was not able to be near a coach for years.
With teams now being allowed to bring 90 players into training camp, why not take a chance on Banks? He had the potential going into college, and was almost a sure-shot to go pro anyhow – the ability is definitely there. Now the learning curve may have to be expanded, and some conditioning to get use to full contact again may be needed. Here’s the thing, Banks is eligible to be a practice squad player, so why not give this guy the chance to develop on the practice squad and let his character at least rub-off on the guys, so they can see how lucky they all truly are to wake up and play such a great game at the highest level.
Personally, I think giving someone like this the opportunity is something that would only positively affect a team. Positive things come from positive people, and this guy’s work ethic may just be something that sparks a few players and let’s them realize why they give it their all every day for the opportunity they are so lucky to have.
If the 49ers fail to keep Banks on the roster, in whatever capacity, the other team that I believe should go after him and invite to camp is the Miami Dolphins.
Let’s face it, Miami doesn’t have the greatest team right now, and could use a guy with Banks’ spirit. Not just that, Miami’s fan base is dwindling, and with the team scheduled to be on HBO’s Hard Knocks, a guy like Banks could bring in a lot of viewers, and his story would have the entire country rooting for him to make the team. This publicity would get Banks’ some air time and hopefully get noticed, kind of like Danny Woodhead of the Patriots got noticed while on Hard Knocks with the Jets. Also the story line would get a lot of viewers tuning in to a Miami Dolphins team that needs to put fans back in the seats. This would be a break from the garbage publicity Miami has been spewing on its fans. Why not give them a hero of sorts, a man with such strength and courage that he never gave up on his a dream; someone people from all over could root for?
…and that is the Last Word.
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