The story began when 14-year-old Bryan Thompson, a boy with autism, ran across the school football field during halftime wearing a banana costume. His goal was simple and innocent — he wanted to make people smile. Instead of treating it like a harmless, light-hearted moment, the school suspended him and even placed him in handcuffs. The punishment shocked students, parents, and eventually the public.
When Pat Collins, a well-known News4 reporter, arrived to cover the story, he was so frustrated with the school’s decision that he chose to send his own message. He showed up dressed as a giant grape, standing in solidarity with Bryan and highlighting just how unnecessary the punishment was. The moment quickly gained national attention.
Bryan explained that he had “simply wanted to make people happy,” but school officials labeled him disruptive and disrespectful. Collins pushed back on-air, questioning the logic behind such a harsh reaction. At one point he even asked Bryan, “Why a banana? Why not a grape?” — to which Bryan replied with perfect sincerity, “Potassium is great.”
The story sparked a wave of support. Students began wearing bright yellow shirts that read Free Banana Man to defend their classmate. But instead of listening, the school banned the shirts, confiscated them, and handed out detentions to anyone who wore one. Even then, the students kept rallying behind Bryan.
Online support grew just as fast. Someone created a Facebook page for “Banana Man,” and another person started a petition demanding Bryan’s suspension be overturned. The petition urged the school principal and county officials to focus on “real problems” rather than punishing a harmless kid in a costume.
As national outrage grew, the ACLU stepped in, informing the school that many of its actions were unlawful. The pressure continued to build until the principal eventually resigned. Bryan’s 10-day suspension was reduced, and he returned to school.
News4’s clip of the incident went viral, gaining more than 700,000 views. It also inspired Bryan to create a rap song titled “Free Banana Man!”, which became part of his early journey into music.
Today, Bryan is 24 years old and working under the artist name Leon Knight. He moved to Los Angeles, built his own recording studio, and recently released a new album titled “Can’t It Please Be Tomorrow.” When asked whether he regrets the banana-suit moment that started it all, he answered without hesitation:
“No regrets at all, man. That tells you the kind of kid I was — and it became a part of who I am as an adult.”
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