Atlanta Falcons sign Brian Banks, former football star exonerated of rape

The Atlanta Falcons have signed Brian Banks, a one-time high school football star who served five years in prison and five years on probation for a rape he didn't commit, reports FOX's Jay Glazer.

At age 16, Banks was a top-tier recruit who had been offered a scholarship to USC. Then, a classmate accused him of rape. As ESPN's Rick Reilly reported in May 2012, Banks pleaded guilty at the urging of his lawyer and served 62 months in prison.

But then, out of nowhere, the classmate contacted Banks on Facebook, which ultimately led to a meeting where she admitted he was innocent. A judge threw out his conviction.

(See more about Banks' story on this clip from 60 Minutes).

Reilly reported shortly after his release that Banks had offers to try out for the Dolphins, Seahawks, Chiefs and Redskins. He was invited back for Seattle's minicamp but didn't stick with the team. He ended up signing with the UFL's Las Vegas Locos in September.

But now he has a shot with Atlanta.