Contrasting Sandusky Interview, ‘Big Cat’ Event

As if the Penn State saga regarding the child sex abuse allegations involving Jerry Sandusky couldn’t become stranger. The former Nittany Lions defensive coordinator played some defense Monday in an interview with Bob Costas on NBC’s “Rock Center.”

There's always room for Jaime Edmondson around here.

In his first interview since he was arrested more than a week ago on charges of abusing eight boys, Sandusky proclaimed his innocence, although not very convincingly. One wonders what his legal team thought such a session would accomplish.

“I am innocent of those charges,” Sandusky, 67, told Costas by phone. “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.”

Asked about being sexually attracted to young boys, Sandusky said, “Sexually attracted, no. I enjoy young people, I love to be around them, but, no, I’m not sexually attracted to young boys.”

Your humble correspondent missed that interview (which can be seen in the video below) because of attending the first Big Cat Charities Bowl-O-Rame at eSkape in Buffalo Grove, Ill. The event from the foundation of former Chicago Bears offensive lineman James “Big Cat” Williams benefitted Maryville Crises nursery and Deborah’s Place. Being at the event meant missing Jaime Edmondson’s pick for “Monday Night Football.” The Playboy Playmate finished off Week 10 by correctly forecasting the Green Bay Packers over the Minnesota Vikings.

Here is an interview with Williams and Nina Aliprandi of Des Plaines-based Maryville Academy. You can compare and contrast that to the Sandusky interview: