Report: Brian Banks off to KC

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Brian Banks, who last month was exonerated of a rape conviction that put him in prison for five years, will try out for the Kansas City Chiefs next week, the U-T San Diego reported Saturday.

Banks, a linebacker, worked out for the San Diego Chargers on Friday but left town without a contract, according to the newspaper. His attorney told the U-T San Diego that the Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers would like to work out the player, too.

On Thursday, the Seattle Seahawks offered a formal tryout to Banks during their mandatory offseason minicamp next week. He has yet to accept the invite.

Before the charges, Banks was a star middle linebacker at Long Beach Polytechnic High School and was attracting interest from college football powerhouses such as USC, Ohio State and Michigan. He said he had agreed to a full scholarship with the Trojans.

His college football dreams ended, however, when he pleaded no contest to a childhood friend's false accusation of rape in 2002, a claim she now has recanted.

Banks told the U-T San Diego that he already feels like a winner regardless of what happens on his tryout tour.

"The biggest thing for me ever has been to obtain and secure my freedom," he told the newspaper. "I've already won. Regardless of what happens, I'm already rich. I'm already here.

"Two weeks ago, I was sitting at home, just being hopeful that I could secure my freedom. Now, I've had a flight to Seattle. I've been out here in San Diego. I had a chance to work out with coach [Norv] Turner. These opportunities are something I'll cherish for the rest of my life."

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