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Ex-Browns star Chip Banks in serious condition after Atlanta shooting

San Diego Chargers receiver Charlie Joiner (18) is dragged down by Cleveland Browns defender Clarence Scott after a catch in the first quarter of the game in Cleveland Stadium, Dec. 5, 1982. Coming up from behind is Browns' linebacker Chip Banks (56). (AP Photo/Bruce Zake)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

San Diego Chargers receiver Charlie Joiner (18) is dragged down by Cleveland Browns defender Clarence Scott after a catch in the first quarter of the game in Cleveland Stadium, Dec. 5, 1982. Coming up from behind is Browns' linebacker Chip Banks (56). (AP Photo/Bruce Zake)
By
Aug 16, 2020

Former Cleveland Browns linebacker William “Chip” Banks is in serious condition after a triple shooting in Atlanta’s English Avenue neighborhood, according to police.

Officers found three men with gunshot wounds at a home off Oliver Street shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday, Atlanta police spokeswoman Marla Rooker said.

Explore1 dead after triple shooting in English Avenue neighborhood

One of the victims, Charles Pharms Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene, she said. Banks and the other surviving victim, identified by police as Bennie C. Harris, were taken to a local hospital.

An investigation is ongoing.

Banks was the No. 3 overall pick in the 1982 NFL draft by the Browns. He was named rookie of the year in 1982 before being named to four Pro Bowl teams with the Browns.

He had 46 career sacks, including a career-high 11 in 1985.

About the Author

Asia Simone Burns is a watchdog reporter for the AJC. Burns was formerly an intern in AJC’s newsroom and now writes about crime. She is a graduate of Samford University and has previously reported for NPR and WABE, Atlanta’s NPR member station.

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