Former rising football star Brian Banks exonerated in rape case

Brian Banks, a rising football star whose career collapsed after a kidnap‑rape conviction, has been exonerated. His accuser contacted him on Facebook and recanted her story, which led to today’s reversal.

Brian Banks Exonerated After Accuser Recants

Conviction Overturned After Facebook Message

During the hearing, Banks sobbed as prosecutors said they did not oppose overturning his conviction. His mother and girlfriend, who sat in court, were overjoyed.

“I’m just thankful to be free now and have the opportunity like anybody else to thrive in life,” Banks told ABC News Radio. He said he felt overwhelmed by the moment.

A Promising Career Cut Short

Banks, now 26, was 17 when many believed the 6‑foot‑4, 225‑pound linebacker was bound for the NFL. The University of California offered him a full scholarship, and several Division I programs pursued him.

“Tragically, Banks would never realize his dream,” his attorneys wrote. They said a high‑school acquaintance, Wanetta Gibson, destroyed that future when she accused him of rape and kidnapping after a consensual encounter.

The Plea That Changed His Life

When the accusation surfaced at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, his attorneys urged him to plead no contest. They feared a trial could bring a 41‑year sentence.

They said he “chose the lesser of two evils.” Banks received a six‑year sentence, served it, and later lived on parole as a registered sex offender.

A Dramatic Turn in 2011

But on February 28, 2011, the case shifted dramatically. Gibson contacted him on Facebook and requested his friendship. He declined but asked if she would meet with him and a private investigator. She agreed.

“Gibson met with Banks and a private investigator and recanted her preliminary hearing testimony,” his attorneys wrote. She said they had been “making out pretty heavy,” but they never had intercourse.

According to legal documents, Gibson said they were “just playing around” and that adults “blew it all out of proportion.” She claimed adults “put stuff in [her] head.”

Gibson also admitted she feared losing the $1.5 million settlement her family won from the school district.

Looking Toward a New Future

Now, Banks is eager to rebuild his life with a clean slate. He has not abandoned his NFL dream.

“I’ve been training since October of last year in hopes of giving football another shot,” he said. “I’m hoping to possibly receive a tryout from a team.”

Banks is also working on a documentary about his life.