Bob Costas Sandusky Interview: NBC Reporter Reacts to Comments on Child Abuse Allegations
The tables were turned on NBC sports broadcaster Bob Costas, who was interviewed Tuesday about this thought-provoking phone conversation with Jerry Sandusky, the alleged Penn State University child rapist.
Appearing on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" show, Costas spoke out about how he scored the buzzed about Sandusky interview at the last minute. Costas was all set to interview Sandusky's lawyer, Joseph Amendola, on NBC's "Rock Center With Brian Williams." Yet, Costas told "Morning Joe" hosts that right before the scheduled interview, Amendola asked the broadcaster if he wanted to speak with Sandusky himself.
"I'm thinking, 'I wonder from your standpoint whether that's the smartest thing to do, but at the same time, sure,' " Costas said. "...We pivoted and made it an interview with Sandusky."
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Costas was the subject of widespread praise Monday for his stern, straightforward questioning of Jerry Sandusky.
On Twitter, Sadao Turner, director of new media for Ryan Seacrest Productions wrote, "Holy crap, Bob Costas is a A BEAST in this Sandusky interview! He'd be a terrifying prosecutor."
However, when Costas spoke to Willie Geist of "Morning Joe," he remained even toned, objective and calm in his analysis of Sandusky's somewhat shocking answers to his questions.
In the "Rock Center" interview, Sandusky told Costas, " 'Well I could say that, you know, I have done some of those things. 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."
Costas called Sandusky's answer "somewhat odd." He also said that former coach Joe Paterno's inaction surrounding Sandusky could not be "explained satisfactorily."
Following a three-year investigation, the former Penn State player and assistant coach was indicted on Nov. 4 on 40 counts of sexual crimes against male minors that occurred over the span of more than a decade, during which he served as head of The Second Mile charity, helping at-risk youth.
The scandal has shaken the Penn State community, as the college's athletic program is a focal point of campus life.
