Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky isn't a pedophile, he just enjoys being around children. And showering with them, hugging them and touching their legs.
That's according to Sandusky in a phone interview with Bob Costas for NBC News’ “Rock Center,” which airs Monday night (Nov. 14, 2011) at 10 p.m. ET.
Here's a snippet (via USA Today):
"I say that I am innocent of those charges ... I have horsed around with kids. I have showered with them 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. I shouldn't have showered with those kids."
Sandusky was recently indicted on 40 counts of child sexual abuse, outlined in a gruesome grand jury report released last week. Incidents that occurred on the Penn State, and the negligent way in which they were handled, led to the firing of longtime head coach Joe Paterno.
The Nittany Lions are currently under the care of Interim head coach Tom Bradley.
For more on the fallout from the Jerry Sandusky scandal click here.