Tears in court as former football star's kidnap-rape conviction dismissed

Nick Ut / AP

Brian Banks becomes emotional as his attorney Justin Brooks, right, and attorney Alissa Bjerkhoel stand by, as Banks' rape conviction is dismissed on Thursday in Long Beach, Calif. It has been 10 years since Banks, then 16, pleaded no contest to a rape charge brought after a childhood friend falsely accused him of attacking her on their high school campus, shattering his dreams of a pro career.

Nick Ut / AP

Brian Banks, center, reacts with his mother, Leomia Myers and father, Jonathan Banks, outside court after his rape conviction was dismissed on Thursday.

Linda Deutsch of the Orange County Register reports that though Banks maintained his innocence, "his lawyer urged him to plead no contest rather than risk a sentence of 41 years to life in prison if convicted."

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A former California high school football star, Brian Banks, has been cleared of a rape and kidnapping conviction that derailed his life more than 10 years ago. Now, he is hoping to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL. NBC's Kristen Dahlgren reports.

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now go after that nigggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggga girl that started all this

    Reply#1 - Thu May 24, 2012 3:23 PM EDT

    You know, "tacnacs" it is your type of thinking, even though indirectly, that got Brian to where he was to begin with. Don't be so ridiculous you don't anyone any good. But then, it's complicated and you probably would not understand what I mean, since it looks like you may not pack the mental gear to begin with.

    Brian, I hope you get your life back and all of what is on record is expunged and that not one iota stays on it, except for the fact you did not do this and were falsely accused. You are still a young man and there are many people who will love, trust and want to help you. Good luck and I hope you get to play ball, something that you have had to put on hold - Blessings.

    • 1 vote
    #1.1 - Thu May 24, 2012 5:10 PM EDT
    Reply

    I second that Venice. God Bless

      Reply#2 - Fri May 25, 2012 7:25 AM EDT
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