A while back we did a story on Brian Banks, a top high school prospect who was falsely accused of rape, fighting to live his dream of playing in the NFL (you can read the story here).

The Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday signed linebacker Brian Banks, who was exonerated last year in a California rape case in which he was falsely accused.The 27-year-old linebacker will participate in Atlanta’s offseason workouts with a chance to resume his career. The Falcons have scheduled a conference call for Wednesday with Banks.Banks served more than five years in prison following a conviction a decade ago on rape and kidnapping charges. The woman later recanted her claim and offered to help Banks clear his name. Banks was trying to land a spot in the NFL and got his first tryout with the Seattle Seahawks last year. He also received tryouts with the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, and eventually took part in Seattle’s minicamp last June. Banks was grateful to Seattle coach Pete Carroll for the opportunity to see where he stacked up against NFL players. Banks had verbally committed to playing for Carroll at USC before the player’s arrest and conviction. He eventually signed last year with the United Football League’s Las Vegas Locomotives, appearing in two games and making one tackle before the UFL suspended its season in October.”We are pleased to have Brian join our team,” Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement. “We had a chance to work him out last year and have been monitoring his progress since then. He has worked extremely hard for this chance over the last year and he has shown us that he is prepared for this opportunity. We are happy that Brian will have a chance to live out his dream of playing in the NFL and we look forward to seeing him on the field.”

Congrats to Brian. Best of luck in the NFL.

Story via. ESPN

Start the list after the jump.

10.  ”Dreaming With a Broken Heart” – John Mayer

To kick of the list, we have John Mayer’s song, “Dreaming With a Broken Heart”. You listen to this when you realize the person you love is gone. This is usually “The Morning After” song.

9. “Love Lost” – Trey Songz

The break up starts to settle in now. Trey Songz helps you cope when you know you’re the one that did wrong. It’s your fault the love was lost!

*BONUS* Then again, if you can sing the right song, you can get back with that person.

8. “I Hate You” – Z-Ro

Thugs be in love too. It ain’t trickin if you got it…until she smash the homies.

7. “Boston” – Augustana

When the break up is severe, you wanna just pack up a move and not deal with the person, the city, maybe even the state. Change is good…Boston is cold as hell though.

6. “Doing It Wrong” – Drake

No simp song list would be complete without a song from Wheel-Chair Jimmy. This is the song you listen to and point fingers.

And she’s the reason it happened,
But she’s overreacting.
And its all because she don’t want things to change.

5. “Melt My Heart To Stone” – Adele

You listen to this song on a rainy day, looking out of the window, theres tea on the stove and the pot is steadily whistling because you can’t move away from that window of hope, you haven’t eaten in days, but when you do, you just throw it up cause food reminds you of that person that broke your heart, you’re just sad, sad, sad.

4. “You Got It Bad” – Usher

When you play this song, you’re really deep in your feelings. Ain’t no escaping that. Best thing to do is to start this list from the beginning and keep going. You got it bad.

3. “Anytime” – Brian McKnight

Time goes by, and you’re wondering if the other person is thinking about you….The answer is no.

2. “Send Me An Angel” – Amanda Perez

Best thing to do during a tough time is to pray. Amanda Perez had the right idea, and made it a hit. She helped so many middle school black and hispanic girls through their first 5 break ups. The song is a hit, but it doesn’t top our list…

1. “Fuck It (Don’t Want You Back)” – Eamon

And the number 1 break up song comes from an very angry fella. Who ever the chick was that broke his heart clearly got the message after hearing this track.

MTV: What’s the hardest thing you went through with a ho?

Eamon: It sucks when you really like a girl, and then, maybe you’re not ready for it, but there’s always, like, that week that you can’t stop thinking about it every day. And this sh– just kills you.

What songs did we miss? Put them in the comments below.

Hello lovers and friends. Glad to see you here with us on this here Valentine’s Day, Single Awareness Day, or as we like to call it here at Freshly Squeezed, Investment Day. Essentially, that’s what it is. You see, to men, Valentines day is just a day they can make an Investment in a woman. Whether that investment is time, a gift or whatever. Men look at Valentines Day as a way to sow a seed in hopes that it grows. Just like on Wall Street, these investments can have great returns or they could flop.

To become a master of Investment day, we have a few prerequisites. Bottom line for the fellas, you need to be a gentleman.  For the ladies, don’t expect the world but never settle. Seems about right, right? We have provided you with essential guide to the do’s and don’t for Valentine’s Investment Day. When you’re done here, both men and women will understand each other better.

Now the Valentine may be someone you have already been in a relationship with, a friend that you just want to do something nice for (because you’re both #ForeverAlone), or a person of your interest that you possibly could see yourself with, and you want to invest.

1. Those in the relationship: Stick to what you know. You made it this far for a reason. It’s good to do a lil something special, but we wouldn’t suggest going all the way out. How would you top it the next year? And the year after? etc.

2. For the friend: This is mainly for the ladies of course. Go out to eat with your other lonely and single friend! Y’all already have so much in common. It is very well possible to go out with a just a friend of the opposite sex. Who knows, this could be the start of something new. But don’t force it if it’s not there. There’s nothing worse than forcing a friendship into a relationship  and things turn sour. It’s not pretty.

3. For the investor: So you want to go to the next level with that person? Be wise about the situation. At this point you’re trying to impress the potential significant other. The investment is all in the actions you take throughout the day and/or what the gift is. You don’t want to give off too strong of an interest.Don’t over do the gift. Always but one notch lower of where y’all stand if you are unsure of what to get.

We’re gonna give a common scenario for Valentine’s Day. This is the story of The Main, The Myth and the Harlot.

The Main – The girlfriend. She gets all the time from the guy. He’s not afraid of PDA with significant other. He doesn’t mind spending money on her, cause that’s bae.

The Myth – To the guy, her efforts aren’t noticed. She is nonexistent. Better known as the friend. The friend would like more than a friendship, but the feeling is not mutual.

The Harlot – The title explains it all. For more on the harlot, click here.

There once was this young chap whom was a ladies man. From time to time he would make fuck with his main whilst letting the boppers give him fellatio when his main was busy. You see, he was a single boyfriend. He was single when he wanted to be, and in a relationship when he felt like it. His main never knew he was creeping, she was madly in love (so she seemed). Valentine’s Day was here, and this young fella had his day planned all the way out, in which he would satisfy his main, while keeping his side chicks satisfied. On the other end there was an admirer of the fella. This admirer was different from all the other girls in his life. The two have been going to school together since elementary, and they remained friends into college as well. The story goes as such…

And so the day goes on. He meets with his main and they exchange gifts. While meeting with his main, he receive some nudes from the Harlot (Ain’t nothing like unexpected nudes!). The friend is persistent, yet still no response from Young Chap.

Now it’s time for the dinner date with the main. They go out to a very nice restaurant and later to the movies. The young chap is very strategic. He’s a threat. He’s knows he put out all this cash on his main, she’s gonna put out later (He spent about $200). WRONG. The tables turn when his main says, “You know Aunt Flo is in town? Yea..Ragu spaghetti sauce is being made in momma’s kitchen”.

Young chap doesn’t fret. He’s got plans with the side chick already. So on his way taking “Bae” home, he stops by the harlot crib, and he smangs it. Smangs it good. Smanged it so good he worked up another appetite, so he then heads to Subway.

In the back corner of Subway, we find The Friend taking all her anger out on Twitter.

The two acknowledges each other. Young Chap sees his friend is down in the dumps. He speaks and offers to buy her a foot long ham sammich. The two catch up and are close friends just like old times. They relationship develops. The friend got what she wanted. She wasn’t looking for a relationship, she just wanted to spend time with a friend. She knew that she shouldn’t go looking for love, for love would come find her…In Subway. And they lived happily ever after.

MEANWHILE…Bae is still awoke. Not because she was cramping or had to change her tampax pearl because she’s “on her period”. She was busy getting busy with Young Chaps roommate, whom is a mark ass trick and these type of dudes are the ones you need to watch on today. They spent the night finger popping each other’s asshole.

Moral of the story: Play your part. If you don’t like your role, change the game.

#JesusBeACompassForCupid

Click photo!

The Bigger Picture with Brandon Jordan.

Dear Freshmen,

Let us congratulate you on graduating from high school. That accomplishment should not be taken lightly but you shouldn’t take it for granted either. You’re in the first stage of life in the real world now. College will be the best 4 years (or more) of your life. You will learn about the world, learn about other people, and learn things about yourself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, you eventually learn from them. But don’t make the same mistakes you made in high school once you get to college. The game doesn’t change, just some new players in it. To help you with a game plan of for college, we have developed this guide to help you survive.

College has two aspects, the scholastic part and social life.

Aspect One: Scholastic Tips

1. Time Management, the most important element of college survival. You have to know how to schedule time for class, studying, partying, and hanging out with friends. Its 24 hours in a day. Make sure you use all of it.

We can’t stress this enough, do not procrastinate.

2. Studying, it really works. This goes hand in hand with time management. Everything you do should revolve around study time. You can never have enough.

Dre says, “It’s best to study every class for 15 mins. For example, if you’re taken 4 classes, study your notes for 15 mins for each class.  If you have a hard time focusing, just turn on your favorite tv show and study in between commercials.” 

Study strategies vary. Find away that works for you, and stick with it once you get the results you need.

Sometimes you don’t need books or will rarely use them. This leads to our next tip.

3. Make Connections, the most beneficial tip. Making connections helps in the class room, for social life, and post-college. Don’t know something? ASK someone. Most people in college are friendly (either too friendly and or an asshole). It is wise to make connections in class cause that person may take great notes, know somebody that knows somebody about past tests (hint hint), or maybe you need them to sign you in for attendance. You should do the same for others. Its called “paying it forward“. (S/o to my Theology teacher in High School, Ms. Kwolek) Speaking of teachers:

There is no such thing as kissing too much ass in college. 

4. Master the information, put 1-3 all together. You go to college to expand your mind. You’re paying all this money for the class, you #midaswhale obtain as much information as your can. Don’t just go to class, sit in the lecture, take notes and not actually master the information. Know the information so well that you’ll be able to teach it yourself. You have to know the information like the teacher does because if not you’ll always be the student and they’ll always be the teacher.

The point is to learn information, retain it so that it is embedded in your brain, b.

We’re not going to sugarcoat anything further at this point.

Aspect Two:  Social Life aka the F.U.N. (giggity.)

As said before, college years are the best years of your life. Get involved. It helps build a great resume. Have fun, after you handle business.  As for the “fun”, there is an etiquette for everything. For example, :

Drinking etiquette:

Always eat before drinking.

Know your limit and drink like you’ve been drunk before.

Cure your hangover by working it off, sleeping, or drinking some more.

“Beer before liquor, never sicker, liquor before beer, never fear” 

Party etiquette:

Pre-game!

Don’t cross through stroll lines!

Other races know how to party too.

*See 3. Make connections

-Rub chapstick/carmex on the backside your hand if you’re underage so you’ll be able to get drinks.

Though we don’t promote underage drinking, we promote smart drinking.

This “sextion” comes from the Guru himself.

Sex etiquette:

Don’t be that girl, nor that guy. (More info here.) But if you are…

No means no.

No glove, no love.

Try not to have sex on weekdays.

Don’t have sex the morning of a test.

If your roommate is having sex, face the wall and fall asleep

Most importantly, find the fastest route to your nearest 24hr CVS or Walgreens and always keep exactly $54.11 on you in case of a Plan B emergency.

            You aren’t having fun in college until you’ve had a pregnancy scare.

All In All: The key things

*Your grades and your reputation are the most important things.

* As my HS football coach would say, “its time to get you mother’s titty out of your mouth.” You think you’re grown? Then prove it. Handle your business.

*Make sure your major is something YOU want it to be, and see you’re self sticking with, or at least have a great back up plan.

*Find a side hustle. A little cash on the side will help.

*Don’t stress. As Kid Cudi said,”Let go, life does get tough. No need to stress, hold you back too much”.

*Use the buddy system.

*Don’t do anything you don’t want to do.

Follow this guide, and you’ll be just fine.

Sincerely,

Freshly Squeezed

We have a graduation gift here for you. Below is a mixtape of songs that have meaning and can help you once the semester starts!

Click to download.

“How to Survive Finals” coming Fall semester.

Who killed chivalry? Is chivalry even dead? Who gave chivalry feelings? These are just some thoughts that go through my mind while I sit on my throne (…” while taking the Browns to the Superbowl”…”Dropping the kids off at the pool”…you get it.)

 Chivalry – The medieval system, principles, and customs of knighthood. The qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women

Gentleman –  a chivalrous, courteous, or honorable man.

This brings us to the point, that in order to keep chivalry alive, we need more gentlemen. As you see by definition, being chivalrous and a gentleman goes hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. Whether she’s young or old, harlot or saint, a real gentleman is chivalrous towards all women.

The great philosopher Dave Chappelle had this to say about chivalry:

“An unappreciative woman makes a great asshole.” 

It’s the simple things that matter. We, the Colleagues of Extraordinary Gentlemen, have developed this guide of basic etiquette of a gentleman.

• Dress like a gentleman:

-Nobody wants to see your arse, bro. Pull up your pants. And learn how to tie a tie/bowtie. If you look good, you feel good.

• Always be polite:

-Nobody likes a douche. You wouldn’t want anyone to disrespect your mother, so why disrespect a potential future baby-momma? Do these simple things: Always open the door: This is the most basic rule to abide by. It doesn’t matter if you’re far ahead, slow down and wait until she approaches the door. Give up your seat: Even if you had a long day, always offer to give up your seat and even if she says no, stand up anyways. Share your umbrella: If you see a lady walking through the rain always offer to share your umbrella. Remember, that weave is $95, plus tax.

• Be punctual, Yet be patient:

-The early bird gets the worm; therefore, he gets the women first. Nothing is worse than a man who isn’t on time. What’s worse is a guy who rush things. If you’re worthy, she’ll come around. Patience is key.

• Don’t kiss and tell:

            –  There’s no need to go out and brag to your bros. Not only will this get you caught up, but once you meet the girl of your dreams she might already know everything about you. Be what we like to call, a Humble Homie.

• Have high morals:

- Be smart about your decisions. Don’t just do anything. I know how hard this is, trust me. Just remember, “A duck with a butt is not a swan”.

• Don’t abuse the trust:

If I had a quarter for every time a girl told me “I don’t trust men”, I’d have $37.50. I hate getting to know a woman, and I get stopped short because of the previous guy. “Its not you, its me“, You damn right its you!

If these simple tips are not enough, do some reading. “How To Be A Gentleman” by John Bridges is a good read. “If you’ve ever wondered when it’s appropriate to send flowers or how to pick the perfect bottle of wine, Brooks Brothers‘ ‘How to be a Gentleman’ book will be an essential companion through life’s trickier situations.”

 Now this part is for the women (or one of these).

I’m here to say chivalry isn’t dead, you just have a great imagination. Your expectations are indeed too high. You’re expecting every man you encounter to be Superman, when in reality they’re just Clark Kent. The Superman you actually need could be right in front of your eyes, but you over look them with your expectations (Don’t get me started on that $200 date crap). Just keep this in mind, a woman worth chasing for will help in the development of the man. You wanna be swept off your feet, but what are you bringing to the table yourself? Make yourself worthy to be approachable. I believe that no relationship is good unless there is equal input into the relationship. Meaning, the relationship shouldn’t just benefit one person. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton didn’t fight for woman equality for nothing. Relationships are for ladies and gentlemen, literally. A lady knows her responsibilities, as a gentleman knows his. Don’t think like a man, think like a lady.

Chivalry is not dead, it just goes unnoticed.

This PSA has been brought to you by the Colleagues of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

(@DameSBi & @Snagman_Johnson)