Former Vanderbilt football player Brandon Banks was sentenced to 15 years in prison Friday for his involvement in the gang rape of an unconscious female student in 2013.

Banks’ former teammate Brandon Vandenburg was sentenced to 17 years in November and Cory Batey, another former teammate, was sentenced 15 years in July 2016.

The fourth former Vanderbilt player involved, Jaborian “Tip” McKenzie, testified against his teammates at Vandenburg's retrial in June 2016.

The defense argued Banks, 23, feared he would be assaulted himself if he did not participate in the rape, ESPN reported.

Under Tennessee law, Banks could have received anywhere from 15 to 25 years.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard, who is averaging 16.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists this season, was named a reserve Sunday for the WNBA All-Star Game on July 19 in Indianapolis. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said joining neighboring states to form a new accreditation agency will “keep Georgia’s universities among the best in the nation." (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC