Former Poly High School Football Star Cleared of 2002 Rape Charge

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

The story of former Long Beach Poly football player Brian Banks, whose 2002 rape conviction was dismissed by a judge on Thursday, continues to twist and turn like a soap opera.

The LA Times reported on its blog today that the 26-year old Banks will be seeking money from the State of California for the five years he was in prison.  In the same story, the LA Times Blog reports that the former high school football star will not take legal action against his accuser Wanetta Gibson.

The path to Banks' freedom came after Gibson "friended" him on Facebook and telling him she felt guilty about making-up the rape allegations.  Banks, who wanted to play college football at USC at the time of the allegation, always contended the sex was consensual.

Banks, who's in great shape, is hoping to get a tryout with an NFL team.

Based on the odds Banks overcame to win his freedom, stay tuned to see what happens next in his story...I don't doubt that one NFL will give him a shot.

Who knows, since Banks still has his college eligibility, maybe a college coach will give him a chance to resume his dream.

In the meantime, watch the story on NBC's Today Show on Friday that includes an exclusive interview with Banks.

   

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Mater Dei Survives in 3 OT Battle With Carson on ESPN 2

By Jeff Fisher
The High School Football Huddle


It took three overtimes, but 2007 Gatorade National Player of the Year Matt Barkley and his Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA) teammates were finally able to shake Carson 46-43 in a game that was nationally televised on ESPN 2 Wednesday night.

Barkley, who looked good-and-bad at times, tossed six touchdown passes to go along with four interceptions, including one in the second scoreless overtime for the Monarchs, who entered the game ranked #29 in the ESPN Rise Fab 50. Barkley, who has verbally committed to USC, ended the game 15-of-31 for 301 yards. His top receiver was senior Ario Winston who caught six balls for 143 yards and three touchdowns.

To read more from the Orange County Register, click here.