Nov 14, 2011

Ex-Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky admits to showering with boys

By John Romero, USA TODAY Updated 38m ago

Former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky acknowledged showering and horsing around with young boys, but said he is not a pedophile.

"I say that I am innocent of those charges," said Sandusky in a phone interview with Bob Costas that will air on NBC News' Rock Center on Monday night at 10 p.m. ET.

Sandusky, when asked by Costas if he was a pedophile, responded "No."

The former defensive coordinator to Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions was hit with charges earlier this month, including 40 criminal counts of sexually abusing eight boys. Sandusky is currently free on a $100,000 bond and denies any wrongdoing. The allegations date back to 1994, according to a grand jury report.

The report details claims of alleged sexual encounters with boys in Sandusky's home, hotels and Penn State locker rooms.

More comments from Sandusky:

"I could say that 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 legs without intent of sexual contact."

"I enjoy being around children. I enjoy their enthusiasm. I just have a good time with them."

When Costas pressed him, asking if he was willing to concede to any wrongdoing, Sandusky replied: "I shouldn't have showered with those kids."

The fallout from the charges has led to Paterno's dismissal along with the firing of school president Graham Spanier. Assistant coach Mike McQueary has been placed on administrative leave by interim president Rod Erickson.

Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley has taken over for Paterno as head coach on an interim basis and led the then-No. 12 Nittany Lions this past Saturday when they lost to No. 17 Nebraska 17-14 in the team's first game since the allegations were announced.

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