Accused Penn State pedophile Jerry Sandusky admits that he showered and horsed around with young boys, but said there was never any sexual contact, according to NBC News.
Sandusky, the former Penn State assistant coach charged with abusing eight boys involved in his non-profit charity, asserts his innocence in an interview with the network.
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“I say that I am innocent of those charges,” Sandusky told reporter Bob Costas in a phone interview that aired tonight on NBC’s “Rock Center.”
When Costas asked him, “Are you a pedophile,” Sandusky responded, “No.”
Head coach Joe Paterno’s one time heir apparent was charged earlier this month with 40 counts of child sexual abuse.
He is free on a $100,000 bond and has denied any wrongdoing.
The allegations date to 1994, according to a grand jury report which graphically details incidents of rape and oral sex in Penn State locker room showers.
“I could say that I have done some of those things,” Sandusky said. “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.”
Sandusky did concede that some of his conduct was improper.
“I shouldn’t have showered with those kids,” he said.
In an NBC News interview from 1987, Sandusky joked that he started The Second Mile program because he was a “frustrated playground director.”
“I enjoy being around children,” Sandusky said at the time. “I enjoy their enthusiasm. I just have a good time with them.”
The alleged victims told grand jurors that they were abused in hotel rooms, Sandusky’s own home, and on Penn State’s campus.