Defense Attorney Weighs In On Sandusky's Latest Interview
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Jerry Sandusky - the man accused in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of boys, which has ignited a scandal at Penn State University – is speaking out again about the allegations.
The New York Times did the second interview with Sandusky, the former defensive coordinator for Penn State's football team.
In this interview, Sandusky spoke about his actions and made some clarifications. But how will his comments affect his defense? KDKA's Jon Greiner spoke with a prominent defense attorney about the latest comments.
This is the second interview Sandusky has done since being indicted.
The first with NBC's Bob Costas didn't go well in the court of public opinion. Sandusky addressed that controversy in this latest interview, along with questions about the alleged sexual assaults.
Sandusky has been indicted on 40 counts of molesting eight boys over 15 years.
In the interview with the New York Times, he says: "I'm not the monster I've been made out to be. I never engaged in sexual acts with these young kids."
Sandusky said that police talked to him just once - after the 1998 incident in which he is accused of showering with an 11-year-old.
In 2002, in an alleged shower incident witnessed by assistant coach Mike McQueary, Sandusky says he was questioned by then-athletic director Tim Curley, and "I told him that it didn't happen and that in my mind it wasn't inappropriate behavior, and if you want to speak to the young person involved."
As to what Paterno knew, Sandusky says "I never talked to him about either one. I don't know that he didn't know. I know that he never said anything to me. I know that."
On the question during his interview with NBC about whether he was sexually attracted to boys and on which he stumbled, Sandusky says "I was saying what in the world is that question. If I say I'm not attracted to boys, that's not the truth. I'm attracted to young people - boys, girls."
However, he said not sexually attracted.
This is Sandusky's second media interview, but is that a wise move?
Patrick Thomassey has been a defense attorney for 37 years.
"Normally, almost never, in this case I think it might be smart," Thomassey said. "I would have let him talk, I think."
He says Sandusky is well-known in that part of the state and his word may carry a lot of weight.
"People on a jury, I think, in spite of everything we've been reading and hearing, will be somewhat skeptical of these people not coming forward some time ago," added Thomassey.
Meanwhile, an attorney for one of Sandusky's alleged victims is reacting to the comments.
He calls the New York Times interview an "unconvincing denial and a series of bizarre explanations" for his behavior.
He also says the comments wrongly cast Sandusky as a "victim," which further harms his client and the other alleged victims.
Click here for the full story and video from the New York Times.
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