In the sporting world, we often exaggerate ultimately meaningless moments with lofty words like “redemption.”
The Boston Celtics win back-to-back games at home to tie the Eastern Conference Finals? That’s not redemption. Albert Pujols smashes a home run to break out of a slump? That’s not redemption. Tiger Woods wins the 2012 Memorial Championship after months of struggling? That’s not redemption.
No, true redemption, true salvation from almost unimaginable hardships, can only be found in stories like that of Brian Banks, the former California prep football star who lost 10 years of his life after being wrongfully convicted of rape.
In 2002, Banks was accused and convicted of raping a classmate. In 2012, the now-26-year-old Banks has been exonerated, according to USA Today.
In between, he served five years in prison. He spent five more with a court-ordered tracking device around his ankle. He had to register as a sex offender, live through the humiliation of being denied job after job, and stay with family members because he couldn’t afford his own place.
Now, Banks, with his chin up and his mind clear, is receiving offers from NFL teams who are interested in the same talent that had University of Southern California coaches drooling back in 2002.
According to Rick Reilly on ESPN.com, the Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs have all contacted Banks about working out for them. But they’re not the only ones who’ve reached out.
As odd is it may seem, the Arizona Diamondbacks have contacted Banks as well, inquiring about possibly hiring him in a front office situation.
Banks’ specific position with the organization (should he accept it) is unclear, and Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall wants to see the young man pursue his football dreams first. But if there’s not a place for Banks on an NFL roster, Hall and the Diamondbacks would be more than willing to welcome Banks to their family.
Jack Magruder of FOXSportsArizona.com has the quotes from Hall.
“I just thought, ‘This guy needs a fresh start,’” Hall said.
“I saw a very bright, articulate, handsome kid. Great smile. You see a lot of maturity. You see a kid who has been through adversity and can handle it. He’s lost 10 years of his life, and it’s time for some good things to happen to him.”
“Someone like that … he deserves a break,” Hall said. “He got one, and he deserves a career.
“He has to chase his (NFL) dream first. If he comes back to me and says, ‘That didn’t work out, are you still willing to have me come out?’ Absolutely, we are.”
This is a truly remarkable development, and I’d like to applaud Hall and the Diamondbacks for their compassionate decision.
There will be some skeptics out there, but I think the Diamondbacks extended this offer from the bottom of their hearts, rather than in some ill-conceived attempt at gaining positive PR.
It was a caring, benevolent move, and it shows that although the 24-hour news cycle often highlights the negative aspects of sports, there are some truly classy people in the far-reaching athletic family.
Banks’ story of redemption—true redemption—and the Diamondbacks’ subsequent job offer are the kinds of things that transcend sports.
If you’ve got a moment today, hit up Banks and Hall on Twitter and let them know that you appreciate them. Not for their athletic or executive achievements, but for being genuinely great people in a world that often seems devoid of good.
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