VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) -  The BC Lions have announced a contract extension for veteran defensive back Korey Banks. The 32-year-old has been a CFL West Division All-Star in all six of his seasons with the Lions.  

“Over the past number of years, Korey has been a central figure in our defence and on our team,” says VP of football operations and GM Wally Buono. “Having him under contract is a big part of our foundation moving forward and this is a very important extension.”

Last year,  Banks recorded 43 tackles and three sacks in earning his  fourth career CFL All-Star selection. The Mississippi State product  was a big contributor to a Lions defence that had a league best 385 points allowed in 2011.

Banks says the Lions have the core players on both sides of the football to contend for a championship in 2012.