Banks Says He’s Recovered, Asks Chargers to Take Him Back

SAN DIEGO — 

Looking fit and striking a penitent tone, linebacker Chip Banks appeared at his first news conference since twice pleading guilty this year to drug-related charges and asked that the San Diego Chargers take him back.

“My problems were mine,” Banks said. “I took the necessary arrangements to take of care of all my legal problems and everything else necessary for my personal recovery. . . . I would love to be a Charger again.”

Banks, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has not played since 1987. He sat out the 1988 season after failing to reach a contract agreement. At about the same time, his troubles with the law accelerated in his off-season residence of Atlanta.

Banks has twice pleaded guilty this year to marijuana and cocaine possession charges in Atlanta. He received five years’ probation in each case. He recently completed a 90-day inpatient program at a private drug treatment center and is now living at a recovery home in San Diego County.

Banks said his return hinged on the approval of owner Alex Spanos, who has said Banks would not play for the Chargers again. Banks said that he hoped the Chargers would trade him by Tuesday’s deadline if they do not want him.

Banks, 30 said he first used drugs when he was at USC, where he was an All-American in 1981.

He said he was not a heavy drug user, that he did not use drugs during the NFL season and that he had never tested positive for drugs as a player. Banks said he has not used drugs since last April.