Jerry Sandusky appeared Monday night on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams and asserted he is innocent of charges he sexually abused eight young boys. His lawyer appeared earlier that night on Anderson Cooper 360 and said anyone that alleges such may just think it’s “their time in the limelight.”
In a telephone interview with NBC’s Bob Costas, Sandusky admitted to touching boys, showering with them and “horsing around,” but said there were never sexual intentions during these episodes.
Sandusky, 67, of State College, was charged last week on 40 counts on seven different charges stemming from a nearly three-year grand jury investigation. The grand jury presentment alleges that Sandusky sexually abused eight young boys over more than a decade.
“I have horsed around with kids. I have showered after workouts. I have hugged them, and I have touched their leg, without intent of sexual contact,” Sandusky said. “I shouldn’t have showered with those kids.”
Sandusky’s interview with Costas was his first public comment since he was charged. Before Monday, he was maintaining his innocence through his lawyer, Joe Amendola.
While interviewing on Anderson Cooper 360, Amendola said Sandusky is just a “big, overgrown kid” who showered with young boys as part of a “jock” culture.
Amendola said he has a defense for each and every claim made in the grand jury presentment, saying “we may never know who’s real and who’s not” in regards to the people who came forward.
The people who came forward may be looking for money or time in the limelight, Amendola said.
Since word came out about Sandusky’s charges, the case has rocked Penn State. The Board of Trustees fired longtime head coach Joe Paterno and Penn State President Graham Spanier.
Assistant football coach Mike McQueary was placed on administrative leave along with former Athletic Director Tim Curley. Former Interim Senior Vice President for Business and Finance Gary Schultz re-entered retirement.
When Costas asked Sandusky how he felt about the firing of Paterno, Sandusky said he feels horrible.
“No, I don’t think it’s my fault,” Sandusky said during the interview. “But I’ve obviously played a part in this.”