Defense Lawyers Doubt Wisdom of Ex-Penn State Coach Sandusky's Comments re Child Sex-Abuse Case
Asked by NBC’s Bob Costas whether he was sexually attracted to children, former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky seemed to hesitate in saying no.
He repeated the question, twice, and, stammering a bit, said he enjoys boys and loves to be around them. Then he denied: “Uh, I, I, but no. I’m not sexually attracted to young boys,” recounts the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
That comment is likely to play at Sandusky’s future Pennsylvania trial on child sex-abuse charges, predicts a Chicago-area criminal defense attorney.
Calling the comment a “disaster,” Steven A. Kozicki predicted that jurors will be hearing it at some point down the road. “I don’t see any way they could keep that out of evidence. He’s not in custody; there’s no Miranda violation,” he told the newspaper.
He’s far from the only criminal attorney wondering what benefit the 67-year-old Sandusky gained by commenting publicly about the charges against him. Several others are quoted by the Law Bulletin, as well as Reuters.
Sandusky’s comment about enjoying children elicited groans from viewers at a bar in the Penn State community, reports Reuters.
Also questioned by observers was his admission, while proclaiming his innocence, to the following conduct:
“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,” he told Costas.
Contrary to what some have speculated, Sandusky’s comments broadcast yesterday on the television network’s Rock Center with Brian Williams newsmagazine program were not made without the knowledge of his lawyer. Defense attorney Joe Amendola suggested the interview with his client, reports the Media Decoder blog of the New York Times.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Merck CEO to Investigate Penn State Football Scandal; Ex-Coach Paterno Hires King & Spalding Leader”
ABAJournal.com: “Former Phila. DA to Represent Charity Founded by Ex-Penn State Asst. Coach Charged with Child Abuse”
