Students

Vanderbilt Football Rape Trial: Brandon Banks Enrolls at Lane College While Awaiting Trial

By

Awaiting trial for aggravated rape stemming from an incident two years ago, which resulted in his dismissal from the Vanderbilt University football team, Brandon Banks has landed on the football team at Lane College.

The Tennessean and The Jackson Sun collaborated to report that Logan Hampton, Lane College's president, confirmed Banks' enrollment for the upcoming fall semester. Derrick Burroughs, the school's head football coach, also confirmed Banks' addition to the team.

Banks is awaiting trial on five counts of aggravated rape for allegedly taking part in the gang rape of an unconscious female student while he was a football player at Vanderbilt. Three other teammates were also indicted on similar charges, but his and another former teammate's trial has been separated from the other two.

Brandon Vandenburg, the alleged "ring leader" of the gang rape, and Corey Batey were initially found guilty on all counts of aggravated rape and sexual battery. But they are now awaiting a new trial in Nov. because the first was declared a mistrial over an issue with a juror, The Tennessean reported.

Though the guilty verdict does not bode well for Banks and the other man charged, Jaborian McKenzie, they still do not have a court date and the new trial for Vandenburg and Batey will likely delay that further. Banks and McKenzie may also be called to testify in the new trial, as they did so in the first one and their testimony and it is possible that the result of the new trial could be part of a plea deal.

Hampton noted in a press release that Banks will not receive a scholarship and that he will be under strict supervision by school officials and the chaplain of the school affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

"Offering admission to Lane College in no way excuses Mr. Banks of any culpability of which he may be liable. It is not forgiveness. Rather, it offers the opportunity for a second chance and the regaining of trust. I again refer to the fact that he has not been adjudicated guilty of any crime," Hampton said in the release. "Therefore, after an extensive review of all of the pertinent facts, and consideration of our obligation to the safety of our students, I believe that it is in the best interests of Mr. Banks, Lane College, and society as a whole, that he be educated and nurtured in this Christian environment, during the pendency of his case."

© 2024 University Herald, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Join the Discussion
Real Time Analytics