Jerry Sandusky Penn State Scandal: ‘I Shouldn’t Have Showered with Those Kids,' Says Sandusky
Jerry Sandusky, the Penn State defensive coordinator now infamous for his alleged pedophilia, publicly defended himself in an interview Monday night on NBC’s "Rock Center."
Sandusky was adamant that he did not engage in sexual activities of any nature with children. However, Sandusky admitted that he “shouldn’t have showered with those kids.”
Sandusky, while being interviewed by Bob Costas, categorically denied the statements in the indictment that includes anal rape, fellatio, and kissing of underage boys. He acknowledged, though, that some of his behavior could lead others to believe he was engaged inappropriate action with the kids.
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"I could say… I have horsed around with kids. I have showered after workouts. I have hugged them and I have touched their legs without intent of sexual contact," explained Sandusky.
Until this point, the seasoned defensive coach has not claimed he was guilty or innocent, apparently under the direction of his lawyer, Joseph Amendola.
Amendola said he defends Sandusky because he “[believes] in Jerry’s innocence.” His other reasons for representing the alleged pedophile is due to information gathered he thinks could exonerate his client.
“The allegation, it never occurred. In fact, one of the toughest allegations...what [Mike] McQueary said he saw, we have information that that child said that never happened," said the attorney.
McQueary, along with several others, witnessed one of what could be many acts of sexual abuse over a 15-year period. Sandusky is suspected of abusing at least eight children during his tenure at Penn State and his activity as the founder of the Second Mile, a charity and program for troubled youths.
Concerning the specific acts, McQueary said he saw in 2002, Sandusky dismissed it as simple “horsing around” and nothing more.
Although McQueary failed to report what he saw to the police, he did testify that he told Joe Paterno, then the head coach at the university. Paterno subsequently contacted Tim Curley, the athletic director, and Gary Schultz, the vice president.
Paterno and Graham Spanier, the university president, were fired, because none of the men filed a police report. Curley and Schultz were charged with perjury and failure to report what they had been told, and resigned.
Despite questionable incidents being brought to light in 1995, 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2008, a host of eyewitnesses, and the potential of individual victims testifying, Sandusky maintains his innocence.
"I enjoy young people. I love to be around them, but no, I'm not sexually attracted to young boys," Sandusky asserted.
