INDIANAPOLIS -- Four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Chip Banks, troubled by drug use and out of the NFL since 1987, was traded Tuesday from San Diego to the Indianapolis Colts for conditional future draft choices.
Banks, who missed last season in a contract dispute with the Chargers, was arrested five times in the past 18 months on various drug and sexual abuse charges, pleading guilty twice on drug possession charges.
'I've been through some personal ordeals. I know nothing happens for no reason,' Banks said at a Tuesday night news conference. 'I've learned a lot. I'm going to make my future life more in tune with the real world. I didn't let the problem turn me around. I did something about it. Somebody out there can see me struggling to get over my problem and that might give them hope to.'
Banks, 30, has been cleared to return by NFL officials after recently finishing a 90-day extended care drug rehabilitation program at a private center in rural San Diego. He remains an outpatient of the facility.
Indianapolis also received a two-week commissioner's exemption, meaning the Colts can use Banks without cutting another player from the squad.
'We don't condone anything that occurred in Chip's past. We feel good about his progress,' said Colts coach Ron Meyer. 'This gives us a chance to see if he can come back and play. The odds are against people in Chip's situation. There is a risk. There is a gamble, but life's a risk.'
The Colts were involved in a similar case a year ago when they signed running back Tony Collins, who was cleared to return after drug use but banned from the NFL after failing a drug test in training camp.
'People have the right to rehabilitate themselves and get back to their jobs,' Colts general manager Jim Irsay said. 'The NFL has said he would be allowed to have this attempt to come back, to try and prove he could remain in this sport. I believe he should have the chance at it.'
Talks with the Dallas Cowboys fell through over the weekend, in part because advisors felt Banks needed to complete his rehabilitation in the San Diego area.
Banks said he sees no problem continuing drug rehabilitation, even though he has moved away from San Diego.
'I don't think there will be a commitment problem. We're going to talk over a game plan for out here. The people might be different, but the philosophy will be the same.'
The Colts felt the need for another linebacker when O'Brien Alston was lost for the season after a knee injury in a victory over the New York Jets. Banks would have the chance to play against the Chargers on Nov. 26 when they visit the Hoosier Dome.
The Southern California product said he can be ready soon to return to the field.
'I've mentally and physically put myself into position to play in the league. My body is ready to go, I'm capable,' he said. 'It'll be a fight getting back into the flow, the snap counts, the emotions, the whole blend of things.'
Banks played his first five pro seasons with Cleveland, compiling 546 tackles, including 125 in 1986. He was traded to San Diego in 1987 and played one season with the Chargers.
'It's something you have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. I can't just drop it now that I'm back in the league. I have to worry about Chip Banks. I want to be an honorable citizen.'
Indianapolis also Tuesday waived wide receiver Titus Dixon and picked up tight end Mike Hinnant off the waiver wire from Pittsburgh.
