Jerry Sandusky Sentencing Statements Previewed: Coach Claims Martyrdom
Jerry Sandusky will be sentenced today with anywhere from 10 years to 218 years behind bars after being convicted on 45 counts of child sex abuse. The former Penn State coach has released what appears to be remarks he plans to make before learning his fate today.
"I would cherish the opportunity to become a candle for others, as they have been a light for me," an audiotape released on Penn State's ComRadio revealed. "They could take away my life, they could make me out as a monster, they could treat me as a monster, but they can't take away my heart. In my heart, I know I did not do these alleged disgusting acts," Sandusky said.
Sandusky then went on to blame the guilty verdict on an unfair trial.
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"Over and over I asked, why? Why didn't we have a fair opportunity to prepare for trial? Why have so many people suffered as a result of false allegations? What's the purpose?" he asked. "When we didn't have time to prepare for a trial, we still gave it our best."
"We will fight for another chance. We have given many second chances, and now we'll ask for one. A young man who was dramatic, a veteran accuser, and always sought attention, started everything," Sandusky added.
His comments were a vicious attack against the boy known as Victim No. 1, who sparked the investigation after confiding in his mother and authorities. Soon after, other boys came forward with their own stories of horrific abuse that were either ignored or left unreported by the Penn State sports administrators.
"They won. I've wondered what they really won," Sandusky continued. "Attention, financial gain, prestige … will all be temporary. Before you blame me, as others have, look at everything and everybody. Look at the preparation for the trial and the trial. Compare it to others. Think about what happened. Why, and who made it happen?"
Sandusky promised to continue to fight the charges and the "unfairness and consistency and dishonesty" shown him throughout the ordeal.
"I ask for the strength to handle everything and willingness to surrender only to God, regardless of the outcome," he concluded.
Today's judgment will likely put Sandusky behind bars for the rest of his life and bring some resolution to those affected by his crimes.
